ITV's Good Morning Britain has been warned by Ofcom over Piers Morgan's comments
![](https://www.thestar.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/shutterstock_78344506.jpg?crop=3:2,smart&width=640&quality=65&enable=upscale)
![](/img/placeholder.png)
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
by Gary Flockhart
ITV has been handed a warning over Piers Morgan's "combative presenting", after Good Morning Britain avoided an Ofcom investigation.
The controversial television presenter was accused of "mocking" the Chinese language during an episode in January.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdOfcom launched a preliminary investigation after receiving over 1,600 complaints from viewers, who considered the action was offensive and racist.
The broadcasting watchdog - which has the power to punish those who breach regulations - has decided not to pursue the complaints.
But, it warned ITV, “There are compliance risks in relying on a ‘combative dynamic’ between presenters as a way to provide challenge and context for the broadcast of content which may cause offence.”
'A robust approach to discussing topical stories'
ITV had argued that Good Morning Britain has a “robust approach to discussing topical stories” based on its “combative dynamic” between hosts Morgan and Susanna Reid.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdThe broadcaster admitted Morgan’s imitation of a Chinese accent was “clumsy” and the use of the words “ching chang” had potential to cause offence.
Ofcom conceded that Reid made several immediate attempts to challenge Morgan when he imitated the Chinese language. Including telling him, “Taking the mickey out of foreign languages is rather 1970… you can’t... Piers do you not realise the kind of woke times we’re living in?”
Morgan denied on Twitter that his actions were racist and ITV said in a statement it “regretted” any offence he may have caused.
In a statement, released on 3 March, ITV said, “These comments were intended to mock a member of the Royal Family and were not intended to mock or denigrate Chinese people, their language or accent.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“ITV regrets any offence Piers' comments may unintentionally have caused.”
This article originally appeared on our sister site, The Scotsman
#HealthHeroes
Show your support for the incredible work being done by those working on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis. Join our Facebook group and follow the dedicated Instagram page to read stories of everyday heroism and share your own messages.
A message from the Editor
Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdIn order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this website, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.
Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.
With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.
Thank you, and stay safe.