ITV issues statement after Piers Morgan ‘mocked’ Chinese language

Piers Morgan faced backlash from Good Morning Britain viewers last month who accused him of "mocking" the Chinese language.

The acid-tongued presenter came under fire from the general public after the comments aired, and sparked 1,589 complaints to broadcasting watchdog Ofcom following the episode of the daytime programme on Tuesday January 21.

During the statement issued by the TV network, ITV insisted that the comments were intended to "mock the Royal family" and "were not intended to mock or denigrate Chinese people."

The statement read: "GMB is known for its lively and robust discussion of the news agenda and recently covered Peter Phillips' appearance in a Chinese milk advertisement.

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"The discussion was focused on whether it was appropriate for members of the Royal family to endorse products abroad in this manner, and was live and unscripted.

"Piers Morgan's comments, and his mimicking of the Chinese language in the advertisement, was a spontaneous reaction to the advertisement.

"ITV regrets any offence Piers' comments may unintentionally have caused."

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The statement comes a month after the TV host came when Piers and co-host Susanna Reid were discussing the Queen's eldest grandson Peter Phillips appearing in a TV advert for state milk in China.

During his heated babble, Piers said the name of the farm was "ching chong ching" during the ITV daytime programme earlier this week.

Piers' biting manner was made apparent when he launched into the verbal tirade while his co-host Suzanna Reid remained silent.

He said: "I like Peter Phillips, I met him at a lunch last year, but that is not a good look for the Royals. Flogging Chinese State-owned milk – it’s a state-owned dairy farm.

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"Oh Peter for God’s sake man. This is the problem – people want association with the Royals, they want to exploit them. He should be flogging milk made here," he continued.

"What's the name of it? Ching chong ching?"

Fellow presenter Susanna quickly picked up on his comments and sighed: "Piers."

  • Good Morning Britain
  • ITV
  • Piers Morgan

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