Piers Morgan says he received death threats for challenging government over coronavirus

Piers Morgan arrives at Old Church, 1 Marylebone Road in London for the funeral of Supermarket Sweep star Dale Winton. (Photo by Kirsty O'Connor/PA Images via Getty Images)
Piers Morgan has revealed that his combative aproach to challenging the government over coronavirus has led to death threats. (Kirsty O'Connor/PA Images via Getty Images)

Piers Morgan has revealed he has received death threats for challenging the government over its handing of coronavirus – as a petition to see him sacked from Good Morning Britain gathers momentum.

While many have hailed the presenter’s combative stance on the issue, others say his aggressive questioning of ministers on the ITV programme is over-the-top, with some labelling him a “bully”.

On Sunday, Morgan tweeted: "Memo to trolls: the more you try to silence me with foul-mouthed abuse, death threats & petitions for me to be fired, the louder & harder I will challenge the Govt over its handling of this crisis. Lives depend on it."

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The presenter also responded to one follower demanding he “give us a day off” by reaching for the block button.

The follower wrote: "Enjoy your big garden, sip the expensive wine and give us a day off."

Morgan responded: "I'll give you a lifetime off, relax. BLOCKED."

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Many viewers took exception to Morgan’s fiery interviews with care minister Helen Whately and health secretary Matt Hancock, which together led to over 4,000 Ofcom complaints.

An online petition to see Morgan removed from his duties on GMB has over 50,000 signatures.

Morgan claimed on Sunday that Boris Johnson has now put an “unofficial ban” on cabinet ministers appearing on GMB.

Piers Morgan presents Good Morning Britain alongside Susanna Reid. (ITV)
Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain with Susanna Reid. (ITV)

Tagging the prime minister’s Twitter handle on Sunday, Morgan tweeted: "The Govt has refused to put any minister up for interview on @GMB tomorrow.

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"This will be the 20th day of its boycott of our show during the worst national crisis since WW2.

"All because we asked them tough questions. We’ll keep asking them."

GMB airs weekdays on ITV from 6am.