Piers Morgan has hit back after Good Morning Britain viewers suggested he was “mocking Chinese people” while referring to a milk advert starring Peter Phillips.
The presenter appeared to leave his co-host Susanna Reid cringing when he mimicked the Chinese language after watching a milk advert starring the Queen’s eldest grandson Peter Phillips.
He later defended his actions on Twitter when criticised by social media users, including former footballer John Barnes, and said that he was “mocking a member of the royal family” and not people from China.
The 54-year-old TV host was discussing the commercial for state milk aired in China when he made the odd comments.
After saying that Phillips “exploited” his royal status, Morgan added: “At the next royal event, can you imagine Christmas at Sandringham is like – ‘I’m sorry your majesty, but I only drink yang yank yong ying ming milk.”
As they aired the advert again, Morgan said: “Ok then – ching chang chong, ok I got it.”
Reid scolded him and said: “For god’s sake… taking the mick out of languages is rather 1970s.”
Defending himself, he added: “Surely you can take the mickey out of it! He’s using ching chang chong milk from the Chinese state – that’s what they said in the advert!’
Viewers flooded Morgan’s Twitter page in shock at his comments, including Barnes, who tweeted: “Just saw @piersmorgan on GMB mocking Chinese people on the way they speak, what are the odds he faces no criticism for it.”
Referring to actor Laurence Fox’s recent controversial comments, Barnes added: “There’s an example for Laurence Fox of white privilege.”
Morgan replied on Twitter, writing: “I was mocking a member of the British royal family appearing in an advert for Chinese state milk, not Chinese people.”
The GMB debate was over whether Prince Harry and Meghan Markle would soon follow in his footsteps to cash in after stepping away from their HRH titles in a bid to gain financial independence.
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.
