Jeremy Clarkson has sparked backlash after calling Meghan Markle a “silly little cable actress”.
Writing in his column in The Sun, the presenter defended Piers Morgan, who quit his role on Good Morning Britain following tens of thousands of Ofcom complaints about his remarks on Prince Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah Winfrey.
During the interview, Meghan spoke about her battle with mental health, including that she felt at times that she “didn’t want to live”. She also claimed that there were conversations within the Royal Family about her son Archie’s skin colour before he was born.
After the interview, Morgan said he “didn’t believe a word” Meghan said. The following day, he stormed off the GMB set live on air after GMB weatherman Alex Beresford took him to task about his comments on the duchess, telling him to “take a step back”.
At the time of writing, Morgan’s behaviour is the most complained about television moment in Ofcom’s history, with Meghan herself lodging one.
We have launched an investigation into Monday’s episode of Good Morning Britain under our harm and offence rules.… https://t.co/V5Qj5iMcau— Ofcom (@Ofcom) 1615309958
Clarkson said he believed that the Duchess of Sussex wouldn’t upset the monarchy’s standing as they have been through much worse, like “beheadings, affairs and abdications”, and that they will be able to withstand “the banal musings of a silly little cable actress”.
He added that Meghan is “much revered by the young and the stupid who believe that her brand of simpering victimhood will one day bring down the monarchy, but it won’t”.
He added that, when the furore has died down, “poor old Piers will realise that he lost his job over absolutely nothing at all.”
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It’s perhaps surprising that Clarkson jumped to the defence of Morgan - who he famously had a bust-up with in 2004. But, then again, Clarkson also lost his Top Gear job at the BBC in a high profile way following a “fracas” with a crew member... so maybe the two now share a bond.
His column did not go well on Twitter.
Here are some of the reactions.
Jeremy Clarkson backing Piers on his views about Meghan are hardly surprising. Gammon squared.— Cat Dad. (@Cat Dad.) 1616331257
So the great champion of ethics and sensitivity, Jeremy Clarkson, is now chipping away at Meghan Markle too. It's… https://t.co/WTjGop9vSx— Ry Charles Studio (@Ry Charles Studio) 1616356828
Apparently speaking out about suicidal thoughts & discrimination are 'banal musings' - @JeremyClarkson This isn't… https://t.co/5ymxnoUUwx— Holly-Anna Petersen (@Holly-Anna Petersen) 1616335492
Frankly I am stunned that the embarrassing, tediously outspoken-for-money and misogynistic TV presenter, Jeremy Cla… https://t.co/j6QMqJ6JTD— Wee Mowgz (@Wee Mowgz) 1616263802
Jeremy Clarkson defending the slime Piers by having a go at Meghan. Who's he but some trumped up silly little petro… https://t.co/DdlAm6cnVS— Mechelle Stephen (@Mechelle Stephen) 1616340361
What a surprise from one Ar**hole to another. Jeremy Clarkson calls Meghan Markle ‘silly little cable TV actress’ i… https://t.co/5XbyMuzJAx— Karen Galloway (@Karen Galloway) 1616335596
This is same guy who told marcus rashford to stop moaning about school meals!! Silly man!!Jeremy Clarkson calls Meg… https://t.co/gNM7iVPcke— Darrensfastpassdrivingschool (@Darrensfastpassdrivingschool) 1616334471
Says silly little cable tv man. Jeremy Clarkson calls Meghan Markle ‘silly little cable TV actress’ in defence of… https://t.co/1IUxa02KB2— BlueThunder #BrexitsCrap #ToriesSuck💿🎛️💿💙 (@BlueThunder #BrexitsCrap #ToriesSuck💿🎛️💿💙) 1616399855
If you are experiencing feelings of distress and isolation, or are struggling to cope, The Samaritans offers support; you can speak to someone for free over the phone, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
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