Piers Morgan and ITV’s Good Morning Britain have parted ways, following his comments about Meghan Markle after her Oprah interview and his on-air row with weatherman, Alex Beresford.
It wasn’t pleasant viewing, even if you thrive on controversy, and Ofcom received more than 41,000 complaints.
Piers Morgan refused to apologise for “not believing a word” from the Duchess of Sussex, after her Oprah interview, and has now left Good Morning Britain “amicably” – according to him.
“We agreed to disagree”, was his latest quote, following the decision by ITV to part company with their star TV presenter.
But for anyone who has ever had a mental health concern, or knows someone who has, it is simply too painful and too serious a condition for “media games”.
The charity MIND has spoken out against Morgan’s comments, following Meghan Markle’s revelations that she was struggling with her mental health during her time as a working royal.
Mental health and the media
We have delivered media training for mental health trusts and charities across the UK and a lot of progress has been made in recent years to destigmatise mental health. We’ve seen an enormous change in media attitudes towards mental health.
It’s now accepted that 1 in 4 people in the UK, will suffer from a mental illness at some point in their life.
Disregarding or disparaging people when they are courageous enough to speak out about their mental health is insensitive and threatens to cause further harm and distress.
Mental health is important and you either deal with it sensitively and seriously at all times, or leave it well alone.
Media Training for healthcare professionals
Media Friendly deliver expert media training for mental health professionals, clinicians and healthcare professionals. Do get in touch if you are planning media training for NHS managers or senior staff.