Is Piers Morgan Canceled Yet?

Morgan, a “Journalist” leaves “Good Morning Britain” after attacking Meghan Markle on-air. Morgan’s outburst displays his unprofessionalism and lack of empathy to Markle, and other victims of mental health. Morgan was not “canceled” but instead his removal is justifiable. 

By Riley Mulcahy 
Opinion Columnist 

In his latest round of insensitive comments, British commentator Piers Morgan delivered a scathing review of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s recent Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Markle laid out accusations of racism and harassment against “The Firm” and the Royal Family members. Morgan, known for his stints as an editor and writer at various British tabloids and his CNN show “Piers Morgan Tonight,” is known for stirring up controversial opinions for ratings. While at his position at The Daily Mail, it has now been alleged that Morgan participated in and encouraged the illegal tactic of phone hacking to get dirt on celebrities. Morgan also was a judge on the Simon Cowell-produced “America’s Got Talent”. 

Markle and Morgan were once friends; however, just like his show on CNN, Morgan’s friendship with Markle evaporated quickly. Morgan feels slighted by Markle and has called her a “social climber” who ghosted her friends. Regardless of his personal feelings, Morgan is supposed to be a journalist who should separate his own personal feelings of a celebrity at that particular moment. Obviously, Morgan has not read the handbook on journalism because, after being questioned about his comments on-air, he walked off set and out of his job at “Good Morning Britain.” Since he has continuously been placing himself as the victim, claiming to be an advocate for “free speech.” 

In her interview with Oprah Winfrey Markle accused the Royal Family of having concerns about the color of the skin of her and Prince Harry’s son Archie when she was pregnant. Markle is biracial, and the “concern” of skin color allegedly made by a member of the British Royal Family is extremely bigotted, and racist. By speaking out Markle has been put at a disadvantage, forced to face the repeated criticisms of institutionalists who will defend one of the most powerful families in the world and  a corrupt system. 

The allegations made by Markle and Prince Harry are severe, and for Morgan to negate them based on a personal difference is ridiculous. Should there be an independent investigation of Markle’s claims and chance for the truth to come out? Absolutely. However, for Morgan to verbally attack Markle for sharing her experience as a Black woman, unless proven false, looks bad only on Morgan and the British press. Morgan’s support of the British royals is only based on attacking Markle for telling her truth, invalidating her experiences as a Black woman. He does not even acknowledge that there could be anything wrong with the royals’ behavior. 

Although his comments did not go over well in most social circles,  Morgan has an ardent defender: Sharon Osbourne. Osbourne, a talk show host, and manager to her husband Ozzy Osbourne, used her platform on the CBS daytime show “The Talk” to defend her longtime friend on air. Osbourne pointed to Morgan’s dislike of Markle and remarked that she “did not know what he has said that is racist.” In an odd moment, Osbourne then said she felt like “I am going to be put in the electric chair” for her defense of Morgan. 

Osbourne then accused the talk show of setting her up by asking her questions that she was not prepared for, and mischaracterizing her other cohost’s reaction to Morgan’s outburst. The problem with Osbourne’s argument is that the vile things Morgan has uttered over the years have been well documented over the years, showing  a pattern of Morgan’s behavior. Also, defending someone who openly degrades a Black woman is defending bigotry. Osbourne’s show is on indefinite hiatus due to the controversy. 

Britain is going through what America has for the last several years, a reckoning of understanding that society has routinely degraded people of color throughout history. Morgan deserved to lose his job, and no, this is not “cancel culture” coming after a celebrity. When a person is vulnerable and sharing their story on national television, the first thought should not be, “this person is a complete liar.” No one will truly know what went on with Markle and the Royal Family, however, when reporting on the news, a journalist should stick to what is being reported, not bash the victim and then try to play the victim themselves. It does not work that way.