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#MentalHealthMatters – The Piers Morgan Story

Madeleine Raine

Content warning: discusses mental health and suicide.

On Tuesday 9 March 2021, Piers Morgan ‘left’ Good Morning Britain for good – or was rather fired – after his unnecessary and downright demeaning response to Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Harry and Meghan.

Meghan Markle exposed her own struggles as Duchess of Sussex whilst navigating her new – more restricted – way of life as a significant figure in the Royal Family.

Since Piers Morgan’s outburst on live television regarding Meghan Markle’s suicidal thoughts during her time as a senior royal, social media has witnessed a storm of hatred towards one of Britain’s most viewed figures on television, as well as a surge in mental health advocacy with #MentalHealthMatters trending on Twitter.

Reflecting on Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Harry and Meghan on Good Morning Britain, Piers Morgan made the outlandish remark that he did not believe she was suicidal and that help would have been offered by the Royal Family if such a path was pursued.

After his remark, Piers Morgan was then challenged by fellow co-host, Alex Beresford: “There was bad press around the engagement, before the engagement, and everything that has followed since has been incredibly damaging, quite clearly to Meghan’s mental health.”

Rather than make a public apology, Piers Morgan took matters into his own hands and stormed off set, most likely irreversibly damaging his career – can he seriously not have an adult conversation?

What Were The Immediate Repercussions? 

Within minutes of Piers Morgan’s outburst on Good Morning Britain, Twitter exploded in a frenzy of agitation and fury from men and women across the UK – there was, however, the occasional doting fan supporting their idol, clearly unaware – or ignorant – of the detrimental impact this one comment would have on not only Meghan Markle but the world.

https://twitter.com/mrdanwalker/status/1369278675611512836

Piers Morgan’s announcement could not have come at a worse time for this television presenter – or maybe it was, in fact, the perfect time.

Less than 24 hours after International Women’s Day, this open attack on a woman of authority with royal duties is unforgivable.

The courage it took for Meghan Markle to announce her deepest and darkest struggles in an open interview with Oprah Winfrey is not something that should be frowned upon or shamed, but something that should be celebrated and encouraged for all women today.

“The damage had already been done. The seeds had been sown. And there was much more to come.”

That day, talks began with Good Morning Presenter and ITV studios where the unanimous decision was made to terminate Piers Morgan’s contract – good riddance. But the damage had already been done. The seeds had been sown. And there was much more to come.

#MentalHealthMatters

#MentalHealthMatters immediately began to trend on Twitter following the GMB show and its aftermath, with the below Twitter image posted on hundreds and thousands of Twitter accounts of users eager to publicise their own take on events.

Piers Morgan’s lack of empathy and barbaric tone on Good Morning Britain planted a seed of rejection and fear amongst mental health sufferers and became a trigger for many who have suffered in the past.

There is no debate about the profound effects this interview had on the British population. Through his belittling of Meghan Markle’s own experiences of suicide, Piers Morgan also targeted the wider population of sufferers – and this will never be forgotten.

Whilst the way in which talk of mental health re-emerged on social media was insensitive and quite frankly barbaric, it has brought awareness to the struggles faced by thousands of Brits today and how these have remained hidden for far too long.

By placing Meghan Markle on a pedestal of ‘shame’, Piers has in fact rallied an army of supporters ready to fight the institutions seemingly committed to shaming mental health sufferers.

“There is still work that needs to be done in educating the people of Britain as to the current struggles faced by so many with mental health problems and the sensitivity that lies in its discussion.”

It must also be recognised, however, that this was the behaviour of one man and is not a reflection of Good Morning Britain as a whole. Piers Morgan’s outlandish outburst and subsequent storming off set reminds us that there is still work that needs to be done in educating the people of Britain as to the current struggles faced by so many with mental health problems, and the sensitivity that lies in its discussion.

Piers Morgan was not the first to openly shame mental health sufferers and, taking into account the backlash of his dismissal on social media, probably won’t be the last. But what this traumatic event has shown, however, is that mental health continues to be a very real issue for many and that there is support out there.

Should Piers Morgan Have Left Good Morning Britain?

If your answer is no, there is a lot of learning and unlearning you need to be doing. If your answer is yes, congratulations, you are one of the many who have empathy and concerns about the stigma surrounding mental health.

Piers Morgan had co-hosted Good Morning Britain for close to six years – six years too long if you ask me. He is an interesting character with a diverse view and approach to life, felt in particular by those unfortunate enough to feature in his Life Stories series.

Not only did Piers Morgan insult Meghan Markle but also all those struggling with their own mental health – especially those who are suicidal. Similar to Princess Diana, Meghan Markle also struggled with her mental health after becoming a full member of the Royal Family.

“The Royal Family have certainly neglected both women and drove them towards their existing struggles.”

Whether these two incidents are linked is another question entirely, but judging by the content of interviews with both Diana and Meghan, I have to agree – the Royal Family have certainly neglected both women and drove them towards their existing struggles. Work must be done.

For those suffering from suicidal thoughts, or those with past experiences of such trauma, Piers Morgan’s live announcement was, to be honest, a kick in the stomach.

Regardless of his own personal relationship with the Duchess, such a rigid and emotionless response to one of the most dangerous mental health conditions is inexcusable.

If you, or anyone you know, is suffering with their mental health, know that you are not alone and there is help available:

Samaritans: 116 123

SANEline: 0300 304 7000

The Mix: 0808 808 4994

Madeleine Raine

@RaineMadeleine

Featured image courtesy of Zwaddi via Unsplash. Image license can be found here. This image has in no way been altered.

Mads is a 23-year-old History graduate from Newcastle University. She is passionate about current affairs and British news, with a keen interest in investigative features. Aside from this, she is an avid reader, photographer, and yogi.

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