Piers Morgan admits he shouldn’t have stormed out of Alex Beresford debate on GMB: ‘It wasn’t a good look’

TV presenter has written a lengthy article about the ITV saga, his clash with Beresford, and why he stands by his views on Meghan Markle

Former Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan has admitted he was wrong to walk out during a debate with his then colleague Alex Beresford, during a heated discussion about Meghan Markle.

The now-infamous incident saw Morgan defending himself over his comments about the Duchess of Sussex, as Beresford challenged him about his frequent criticism of her.

Writing for The Mail on Sunday about his subsequent departure from the ITV breakfast show, Morgan claimed he was under considerable strain at the time.

He said this was due to social media abuse and controversy surrounding his statement that he did not believe Markle suffered suicidal thoughts because of the press scrutiny into her life.

“I don't mind outside guests trying to make a name for themselves by whacking me like this, but I wasn't going to sit there and take it from one of my own team, especially someone who I've gone out of my way to help whenever he's asked me for advice about his career,” Morgan wrote of Beresford.

“Realising I might say something I'd regret, I decided to leave the studio to cool down.”

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As Morgan exited the studio, Beresford accused him of “absolutely diabolical behaviour”, pointing out that Morgan “spouts off on a regular basis and we all have to sit here and listen”.

“I didn't hear any more of his diatribe, as I was out the door and heading for my dressing room,” Morgan said.

“I knew it wasn't a good look, the great snowflake-basher running away from confrontation. And on reflection, I shouldn't have done it. But in the heat of the moment, in my rather strained state of mind, this seemed the less worse option.”

In the lengthy article, Morgan went on to explain his views on Markle, the Good Morning Britain saga, and his reasons for leaving the show.

Piers Morgan left ‘GMB’ after a row over his comments about Meghan Markle (Reuters)

Earlier this month (March), his comments about Markle’s mental health received a record-breaking 57,121 complaints to TV watchdog Ofcom, as well as criticism from the mental health charity Mind.

ITV announced Morgan had “decided to leave” Good Morning Britain on 9 March, shortly after Ofcom said it had launched an investigation under its harm and offence rules.

Morgan has since claimed to be the victim of “cancel culture”.