British broadcaster Piers Morgan struggled to contain his rage on Monday following the announcement by Meghan Markle and Prince Harry – who he earlier branded “vapid little wastrels” – that they're expecting their second baby. He immediately took to Twitter to slam the couple for craving media attention.
“BREAKING: Harry & Meghan have announced they’re pregnant and released this cheesy photo of themselves to ensure the media gives the story about their private life more prominence - in their latest courageous effort to stop the same media focusing on their private life,” the journalist raged.
BREAKING: Harry & Meghan have announced they’re pregnant and released this cheesy photo of themselves to ensure the media gives the story about their private life more prominence - in their latest courageous effort to stop the same media focusing on their private life. 👇 pic.twitter.com/wEmpDtrWBG
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 14, 2021
He then shared several front pages from Britain’s top tabloids reporting on the royal couple's baby news and sarcastically noted “I do wish the intrusive British press would respect Meghan & Harry’s privacy and just LEAVE THEM ALONE.”
I do wish the intrusive British press would respect Meghan & Harry’s privacy and just LEAVE THEM ALONE. pic.twitter.com/Ipli2NCbEe
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 15, 2021
Morgan’s remarks relate to the Sussexes’ ongoing crusade against the British media – Prince Harry has previously blasted the tabloids over a “ruthless campaign” against his wife, who sued the Daily Mail publisher for an invasion of privacy for publishing parts of a letter she wrote to her estranged father. After launching legal battles against the press, the two announced in January 2020 that they would step down from their official royal duties and leave the palace in a bid to start a “financially independent” life.
Replying to someone who commented on his tweet, Morgan argued that the duke and duchess are not actually looking for a more tranquil life.
“They don’t want privacy. They want publicity but only if it’s positive,” the Good Morning Britain host fumed.
They don’t want privacy. They want publicity but only if it’s positive. So today they let all the papers they hate publish their baby announcement photo because it enhances their brand. A few days ago, they were trashing the same papers as dehumanising invaders of their privacy.. https://t.co/GS6sFk0Obe
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 15, 2021
“So today they let all the papers they hate publish their baby announcement photo because it enhances their brand. A few days ago, they were trashing the same papers as dehumanising invaders of their privacy..” he went on.
Morgan also shared a much-criticised Daily Star front page featuring the Sussexes with black bars superimposed over their faces under title “Publicity-shy woman tells 7.69bn people: 'I'm pregnant.'" The outlet called Meghan Markle a “shy woman famous for hating publicity” and referred to the Queen’s grandson as the ex-actress’ “ginger beau.”
🤣🤣🤣 pic.twitter.com/uNKTKjpOWJ
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 15, 2021
The paper’s move was immediately dubbed “nasty” and “disgusting” on Twitter, but according to Morgan it was actually an amusing take on the situation and “part of a running joke they’ve done for a while in which they mock Meghan & Harry’s hypocritical pretence to crave privacy.”
Many of Morgan's 8 million followers backed his comments but several have urged the journalist to “give it a rest” and just be happy for the couple.
Can you not just congratulate them and wish them luck and that they have a healthy baby boy or girl! Instead of going on like a prick!
— Kraig Pinnington (@pinni86k) February 14, 2021
Imagine trashing a woman after she announces she's pregnant knowing she's had a previous miscarriage. Couldn't be us...
— Sizobuy' ekhaya (@AguitaVu) February 15, 2021
Announcing their second child 37 years after the father’s own announcement for his mom’s second child, seems like a way to keep his mom involved in his life & his unborn child’s life. I think it’s sweet. Everyone has the right to share what they want with the public.
— SweetChastity (@SweetChastityYT) February 14, 2021
If you resent them so much for seeking publicity stop giving it to them.
— stefanos56 (@stefanos56a) February 15, 2021
The Sussexes’ pregnancy announcement on St. Valentine’s Day follows Meghan Markle’s earlier revelation that she suffered a miscarriage during the summer. It's not clear when the couple’s second child is due or what its gender is, but the duchess’ bump is already quite impressive in the shared pic.
