Meghan makes formal complaint to Ofcom about Piers Morgan

Duchess objects after raising concerns with ITV over effect on other people with mental health problems

The Duchess of Sussex has made a formal complaint to the broadcasting watchdog about Piers Morgan, after he dismissed her account of suffering suicidal thoughts and allegedly experiencing racism at the hands of the royal family.

Meghan complained to ITV bosses about the former co-host of Good Morning Britain after he said on air that he “didn’t believe a word” of her interview with chat show host Oprah Winfrey during which she laid bare her struggles.

In the two-hour special, which prompted worldwide debate about the royal family’s attitudes, the duchess said she had been asked what colour her baby’s skin would be, and claimed she was not supported by the institution when experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Morgan later said: “I wouldn’t believe her if she read me a weather report,” describing the interview as  “a two-hour trash-a-thon of our royal family” for which Meghan deserved an Oscar nomination.

The duchess later raised concerns with the broadcaster about the effect that his comments may have on the issue of mental health generally and those attempting to deal with their own problems, not about the former newspaper editor’s personal attack on herself.

Morgan quit the breakfast show on Tuesday after an on-air row with a colleague who criticised him for “continuing to trash” the duchess, but he later repeated his condemnation of her interview.

ITV bosses had asked Morgan to apologise to the duchess but he refused, it has been reported.

Meghan’s complaint is one of 41,000 received by Ofcom - the second highest in its history.

The communications regulator is expected to investigate Morgan’s comments. A spokesperson said: “We can confirm receipt of a standards complaint made on behalf of the Duchess of Sussex.”

Viewers were angry at Morgan for “belittling” someone who spoke candidly about having suicidal thoughts.