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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Roisin O'Connor

Piers Morgan responds after being told Meghan Markle criticism makes him look 'ugly' – 'I took it too far'

Piers Morgan has admitted his criticisms of Meghan Markle on Good Morning Britainand from his social media account went “too far”.

In an interview with The Sunday Timesthe presenter addressed his controversial outbursts against Markle, along with a number of his other public grievances.

Morgan has previously accused Markle and Prince Harry of showing a “staggering disrespect” to the Queen over their decision to step back as senior royals.

He branded those who claimed that Markle’s treatment in the press and by the public was fuelled by racism as “race-baiting pundits who want to be on TV”. He has also dismissed accusations that his own criticisms of Markle were driven by racism and sexism.

In 2018, a Daily Mail column written by the GMB host attacked the former Suits star as a “social climbing actress” who “landed the role of her life” by becoming involved with the royal family.

In January this year, Morgan leaked screenshots of his direct messages with Markle on Twitter, leading many to suggest that Morgan’s vendetta was due to Markle ending her contact with him, after her relationship with Prince Harry was made public.

During the interview, journalist Decca Aitkenhead informed the presenter that she felt his vendetta against Markle had made him look “ugly”, and asked whether, in hindsight, he would have “dialled any of it down”.

“Yeah, probably,” Morgan responded. “I think that’s a perfectly fair criticism. It’s probably not wise, if you’re a columnist, to make things too personal.”

“Have I taken things a bit too far? Probably. Do I think that will govern and temper how I talk about them going forward? Absolutely.”

Morgan was recently cleared by Ofcom after 4,000 complaints were made to the broadcasting watchdog over two separate interviews.

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