By Gabriel Princewill-
Ofcom has received a formal complaint about Piers Morgan’s dismissal of her account of mental health issues The Duchess of Sussex has made a formal complaint to Ofcom over Piers Morgan’s comments about her interview with Oprah Winfrey, the regulator has said.
An Ofcom spokesperson said on Friday: “We can confirm receipt of a standards complaint made on behalf of the Duchess of Sussex.”
It comes after Meghan made a similar complaint to ITV following Morgan’s claim on Good Morning Britain that he “didn’t believe” her when she said she had suicidal thoughts and failed to get mental health support from within the royal household.
Meghan’s complaints are based around the effect the comments may have on mental health generally and those attempting to deal with their own problems – rather than the TV presenter’s attack on her. In other words, sufferers of mental health issues could feel they would not be listened to, if a standard is set that suggests they will not be believed.
Meghan may have scored big with her argument, and it could put Ofcom on the spotlight on how they handle this complaint.
Piers Morgan has already stepped down from Good Morning Britain, leaving comprehensive report from Ofcom, as the likely result of the official complaint. It could have ramifications, since Ofcom’s remit encompasses all broadcasting corporations.
Meghan may fear that Morgan could target her, once he gains a platform on another channel, making the mental health issue a critical point of consideration. Morgan is unlikely to make the same mistake again, but his strong feelings against Meghan Markle makes this complaint a hot one in terms of how it ends.
Ofcom, which has received 41,000 complaints over Piers Morgan’s comments, has received several other complaints in the past about the television personality and former editor of the Daily Mirror- but they have never amounted to anything serious. They were either not serious enough, or adjudged not warranting serious action.
This time, many critical issues arise, which could potentially have ramifications in the full scheme of things, depending on how they are assessed. An apology from Piers Morgan may suffice when all is evaluated, or there could be more serious implications for his future on British television.
Morgan is a fully charged individual, who has the personality and character to capture audiences. He sometimes falls short in judgement, and this can be likened to a school boy error- doing it on national television about a big story featured on an international stage.
According to Morgan, he simply doesn’t believe anything what comes out of Meghan’s mouth, but did not question or address what came out of Harry’s mouth to assess whether it could cause anyone mental health issues.
Morgan is resourceful enough to fish for further information in search of answers, but in the meantime, faces a real challenge in the woman he often berated on national live television. This time, she has come fighting.
Influence
It has been suggested by some that Morgan’s remarks on Good Morning Britain, could have psychologically influenced public opinion. A poll revealed that a majority of British people feel The Duchess Of Sussex’s interview has damaged the reputation of the royal family, a separate poll showing the U.S public support for Meghan Markle high at 67%.
However, Morgan has nearly as much critics as he has fans, and people are expected to able to make up their own minds.
Piers Meghan has highlighted his main problem with Meghan’s account, as relating to details of who she told about her mental health issues, and what they said. He also takes issue with the world not knowing in what context the issue of her unborn child’s skin was made, and the fact Oprah Winfrey did not probe Meghan Markle about her relationship with her dad, and why he has not seen his grandson.
Morgan has questions to which he wants answers, but it is his dismissal of Meghan Markle’s mental health, which will lie at the heart of the Ofcom investigation.