Piers Morgan claims ‘most Britons behind him’ after Meghan Markle comments break Ofcom record

Remarks yielded more than 57,000 viewer complaints

Piers Morgan has responded after his comments about Meghan Markle prompted a record number of viewer complaints.

Morgan attracted widespread criticism for stating that he “didn’t believe a word” the Duchess of Sussex said about struggling with suicidal thoughts during her time as a senior royal.

It was revealed yesterday (17 March) that his remarks have yielded the highest number of Ofcom complaints in the TV regulator’s history at 57,121.

Responding to the news on Twitter, the controversial presenter said: “Only 57,000? I’ve had more people than that come up & congratulate me in the street for what I said.”

The 55-year-old added: “The vast majority of Britons are right behind me.”

Amid the controversy surrounding his comments last week and calls from viewers urging ITV to fire him, Morgan resigned from his position as co-anchor of Good Morning Britain only hours after he walked off set during a heated debate with co-star Alex Beresford.

The Ofcom complaints about his comments far exceed those made about Celebrity Big Brother in 2018, when ex-Emmerdale actress Roxanne Pallett inaccurately alleged she had been “repeatedly, intentionally and aggressively” hit by fellow housemate Ryan Thomas, which prompted 25,327 complaints.

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The treatment of actor Shilpa Shetty on Celebrity Big Brother in 2007 was previously the most complained about issue, attracting 44,500 complaints.

If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.

If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.