Piers Morgan, the controversial broadcaster and journalist, addresses the fallout from his departure from the television show Good Morning Britain in his new book, Woke is Dead. He lost his high-profile position in March 2021 after publicly questioning the truthfulness of Meghan Markle’s claims during her interview with Oprah Winfrey. Morgan’s criticism of what he describes as “cancel culture” has sparked significant discussion and debate.
In his book, Morgan recounts an encounter with an Australian woman who expressed her dismay about the impact of cancel culture on free speech. “The problem with all these wokies is they just want to suck all the joy out of life,” she told him. This conversation, he claims, encapsulates the essence of his argument against the current societal climate, where expressing dissenting opinions can lead to severe backlash.
After his exit from the show, which followed a record 57,000 complaints to the TV regulator Ofcom, Morgan received support from notable figures, including top criminal lawyer John Kelsey-Fry KC. In an email shared with Morgan, Kelsey-Fry stated that the complaints did not represent “right-thinking people” in the UK, asserting that Morgan’s views were legitimate and worthy of discussion.
Kelsey-Fry criticized the culture that stifles debate, stating that the fear of being labeled as racist or uncaring has deterred individuals from expressing their thoughts. He warned of a public discourse dominated by self-appointed guardians of morality, which could ultimately lead to a lack of meaningful debate.
Morgan reflects on his experiences as symptomatic of a broader issue, where individuals are often labeled based on their opinions. He believes that this climate has led to an environment where questioning the narratives put forth by public figures can result in severe social consequences. His departure from Good Morning Britain serves as a prominent example of how quickly public sentiment can turn against someone for expressing unpopular views.
The book also explores the ramifications for others in the media, including Sharon Osbourne, who faced backlash for her defense of Morgan during her time on The Talk. Osbourne was accused of racism and subsequently left the show after experiencing intense scrutiny and threats. Morgan draws parallels between his own experience and that of Osbourne, illustrating a pattern of bullying for those who dare to challenge prevailing narratives.
Morgan critiques the evolving language around social issues, notably the emergence of terms like “your truth” versus “the truth.” He argues that this shift allows personal feelings to supersede factual evidence. He cites Markle’s allegations against the royal family, stating that despite the absence of substantive proof, the emotional weight of her claims has rendered them unassailable.
In discussing the implications of this language shift, Morgan highlights the absurdity of certain terms being deemed offensive, such as “black sheep,” which has faced scrutiny despite its historical usage. He argues that the redefinition of such phrases reflects an attempt to control discourse and stifle free thought.
This trend is evident in various sectors, including academia and media, where terms like “field” have been labeled problematic. Morgan criticizes these changes as unnecessary and disconnected from their original meanings, suggesting that this linguistic policing limits the scope of public conversation.
As Morgan elaborates on his views, he also touches upon the contentious issue of transgender athletes in women’s sports. He argues that allowing biological men to compete against women undermines the principles of fairness and equality in sports. His stance has ignited fierce debates, with many supporters and opponents expressing strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
In conclusion, Woke is Dead serves not only as a personal account of Morgan’s experiences but also as a critique of what he perceives as an increasingly intolerant culture. He advocates for a return to open dialogue and the acknowledgment of differing opinions, emphasizing that true progress relies on the ability to engage in constructive conversation without fear of reprisal. The book, published by HarperCollins, is available now and promises to engage readers in ongoing discussions about free speech and the current state of public discourse.
