Piers Morgan Sparks Backlash by Calling Muslim Women ‘Oppressed’

Rabat – English broadcaster and television personality Piers Morgan sparked fresh controversy by calling Muslim women and women embracing Islam “oppressed.”

The controversial journalist made his remarks in an interview with Wahid Asif Shaida, an NHS doctor and head of the British wing of Hizb ut-Tahrir. In the interview, Asif Shaida spoke about Islam, emphasizing that many women embrace Islam.

“Because they want to be oppressed,” Morgan responded. The controversial answer sparked a backlash online, with many describing his remarks on Islam as “disgusting.”

“Piers Morgan goes off on a disgusting rant about Islam generically labelling Muslim women as oppressed and making sweeping statements. He arrogantly attacked the faith of 1.8 billion Muslims on the planet in a blatant act of Islamophobia,” a commenter wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Morgan’s Islamophobic remarks caused an ire among many Muslims and non-Muslims, who stressed that such a comment is an insult for millions of muslim women.

A user on X said that despite this insult, the controversial journalist will still argue that he “made no such claim. He’ll claim that is what the Dr. was implying! There’s a reason why they allowed him to have such a platform. You may not like him but his ‘journalistic’  sorcery is world class.”

Another commenter described Morgan’s comment as disappointing, emphasizing that her experience in a Muslim country shows that Muslim women are respected and protected.

“Piers Morgan’s comments are disappointing… women revert to Islam because they want to be oppressed? I’m no expert but I read the Quran and it’s closely aligned with my beliefs and how I live. I live in a Muslim country and women are respected, protected & supported by men here,” the commenter said.

Many also slammed the journalist for not giving his guest enough time to defend his argument during the interview.

One commenter said that he had to quit the interview five minutes after he started watching it.

“Couldn’t take more of you shouting and interrupting your calm and respectful guest. What’s the matter with you, why can’t you let your guests speak man??,” the commenter said.

The controversial remarks came as many have posted videos, speaking about their interest in Islam.

This interest came as Israel has been intensifying  its aggression in Gaza. Many stressed  that Palestinian resilience sparked this interest in the religion.

Many took to social media to express their admiration and how the crisis in Gaza was an opportunity for them to explore Islam.

“I began reading the Quran yesterday and it’s beautiful. I am not a Muslim, but I stand with Palestine,” one social media user said.