Piers Morgan quits TV awards after backlash online

From Digital Spy

Piers Morgan has withdrawn from hosting the upcoming Royal Television Society (RTS) Programme Awards, following an online backlash from some of its irate guests.

The Good Morning Britain presenter released a statement on his Facebook page which said he would be pulling out so as not to "serve as an unnecessary distraction from award winners".

Playwright and novelist Bonnie Greer, who is also one of the awards' judges, had said she would be declining the event's dinner because of Piers's presence, and referenced his defence of US President Donald Trump's lambasting of the media as "enemies of American people".

Director Emma Lindley also tweeted: "I don't want Piers Morgan representing me or any other RTS members."

And a petition stating that it was "not acceptable" for Piers to front the awards ceremony had received 200 signatures.

In response, Piers said: "I was recently invited to host the Royal Television Society Programme Awards.

"As someone who has worked in British and American television for most of this Millennium, on a variety of shows, I thought it might be fun and agreed to do it without any fee. After my role was announced, a campaign was started to have me banned.

"It suggested that I lack the 'creative excellence' criteria required for presenting such an event and therefore my presence would be 'damaging' and 'inappropriate'.

"Further, I have 'failed to understand a social movement that values equality and diversity of voice'.

"Apparently, this movement does not extend to tolerating my own diverse voice. I have no wish to serve as an unnecessary distraction from award winners whose hard work and skill should be celebrated without any of the silly noise this campaign has generated. So, I am now withdrawing from hosting the evening. Good luck to everyone who has been nominated."

Piers's co-host Susanna Reid defended the former newspaper editor on Twitter, writing: "There's a lot that @piersmorgan and I disagree on. But as someone who knows what a very good presenter he is, I think this is a real shame."

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