SHOCKING NEWS: Piers Morgan “lost control” on Good Morning Britain live, yelling “We’re NOT HERE TO CELEBRATE THEIR STUPID PRIDE” directed at Rory McIlroy
London, 20 December 2025 – The UK media landscape was rocked to its core this morning when veteran broadcaster Piers Morgan suffered a dramatic on-air meltdown during a live episode of Good Morning Britain.
In a heated segment discussing Rory McIlroy’s recent comments on social issues, Morgan suddenly erupted, shouting: “We’re NOT HERE TO CELEBRATE THEIR STUPID PRIDE!” The outburst was directed squarely at the Northern Irish golf superstar, who had previously expressed support for inclusivity and diversity in sport.
The entire nation held its breath for 47 agonising seconds as the studio fell into stunned silence. Co-host Kate Garraway tried desperately to regain control, but Morgan continued his tirade, accusing McIlroy of “selling out British values” and “bowing to woke agendas”.
Viewers watched in disbelief as the camera captured Morgan’s flushed face and shaking hands – a moment that has since gone viral, amassing over 50 million views across social media platforms within hours.
The backlash was immediate and ferocious. Within minutes of the broadcast, the hashtag #PiersOut and #StandWithRory began trending worldwide. Tens of thousands of McIlroy’s fans, many of whom had previously admired Morgan for his outspoken style, turned their backs in outrage.
Social media was flooded with messages of disappointment: “Piers has crossed the line – Rory is a class act, not a political pawn,” one viral post read, gaining over 300,000 likes. Others called Morgan “a government stooge” and accused him of using his platform to push divisive rhetoric.
ITV, the broadcaster behind Good Morning Britain, reacted swiftly. By midday, the network announced that Piers Morgan had been suspended indefinitely pending a full investigation. A spokesperson stated: “We do not tolerate language or behaviour that could be seen as discriminatory or inflammatory.
Piers’s comments were unacceptable, and we are taking immediate action.”
The financial fallout was staggering. Just five hours after Morgan’s outburst, Rory McIlroy released an official statement that sent shockwaves through the British media empire. In a calm but powerful message posted on Instagram and shared by his management team, McIlroy wrote:
“I have always tried to stay out of politics and focus on golf, family and giving back. But when someone attacks my integrity and twists my words to fit their agenda, I have to speak up. Piers Morgan’s comments were not just wrong – they were harmful.
I support inclusivity, respect and kindness for everyone, regardless of who they are. If that’s ‘stupid pride’, then I proudly stand by it. To the fans who have stood by me: thank you. To those who feel hurt by today’s events: you are not alone.”
The statement included a link to a charity McIlroy supports that promotes mental health and inclusivity in sport. Within minutes, the post received over 2 million likes and thousands of comments praising his dignity. But the real damage came in the form of sponsor backlash and viewer exodus.
Good Morning Britain reportedly suffered losses exceeding £15 million in under five hours. Major advertisers – including high-profile brands like Barclays, Virgin Media and several golf-related sponsors – pulled their commercials from the show. ITV shares dropped sharply on the London Stock Exchange, wiping out millions in market value.
Industry insiders estimate that the combined cost of lost advertising revenue, legal consultations and reputational damage could reach even higher figures in the coming weeks.
The incident has reopened a broader debate in the UK about the role of broadcasters in political discourse. Piers Morgan has long been a polarising figure, known for his fiery opinions on everything from Brexit to celebrity culture.
But attacking a beloved sports icon like McIlroy – a four-time major champion and one of the most popular golfers in British history – appears to have been a step too far.
McIlroy’s measured response has only heightened the contrast. Fans and commentators praised his composure, with many calling it “a masterclass in class”. Golf legends weighed in: Tiger Woods tweeted simply “Respect, Rory”. Shane Lowry, McIlroy’s close friend and fellow Irishman, posted: “Proud of you, mate.
You handled it like a champion.”
For ITV and Good Morning Britain, the road ahead is uncertain. The show has already lost viewers in recent years, and this scandal could accelerate the decline. Piers Morgan’s future on British television hangs in the balance – many believe this could be the end of his tenure at GMB.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Rory McIlroy emerged stronger than ever, proving once again that dignity and grace can outshine even the loudest voices.
The 47 seconds of chaos may have cost Piers Morgan his job and ITV millions, but they also reminded the nation that true champions don’t need to shout to be heard.
The 47 seconds of chaos may have cost Piers Morgan his job and ITV millions, but they also reminded the nation that true champions don’t need to shout to be heard.
