Piers Morgan seeks removal of Earl Spencer Diana book after factual error
Morgan claims the memoir wrongly calls him former Daily Mirror editor and is pursuing legal action to have the passage corrected and damages paid to the King’s Trust.
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Piers Morgan told the BBC on 24 September that he will take legal steps to force the removal of a passage in Earl Spencer’s memoir Swan Song: Diana, My Sister that incorrectly names him as former Daily Mirror editor.
Error in the memoir
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The memoir, released on 22 September, claims Morgan was the editor of the Daily Mirror when the Sunday Mirror printed photographs of Princess Diana on 7 November 1993. BBC News confirmed that at that time Morgan worked for The Sun and only became Mirror editor in 1995.
Spencer’s apology
Earl Spencer issued a statement apologising to Morgan for the mistaken assumption. The BBC quoted the statement as saying Spencer “apologises to Mr Morgan for this error” and added that, as a historian, he values accuracy.
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He should pull the book.
Piers Morgan, broadcaster
Legal response
Morgan told his YouTube audience that his lawyers will outline demands for the offending pages to be removed, even if it means pulping the first edition. He said any damages should be paid to the King’s Trust, a charitable fund linked to the royal family.
Publisher’s plan
The BBC understands Penguin, the book’s publisher, will correct the inaccurate claim in future printings. No timetable has been announced, but the publisher confirmed the amendment will appear in the next edition.
The dispute will now move to the courts, where Morgan’s claim will be examined. If a court orders removal, Penguin will need to issue a revised edition and may recall existing copies. Readers will be notified through the publisher’s usual channels.
Questions this report answers
+Why does Piers Morgan want the book removed?
Morgan says the memoir falsely calls him former Daily Mirror editor, a claim he says is untrue. He wants the passage deleted to protect his reputation and is seeking damages for the King’s Trust.
+What was the factual error in Earl Spencer’s memoir?
The book states that Morgan was the editor of the Daily Mirror when the Sunday Mirror published photographs of Princess Diana in 1993. BBC News confirmed Morgan worked for The Sun at that time and only joined the Mirror as editor in 1995.
+Which publisher will amend future editions of the book?
Penguin, the publisher of Swan Song: Diana, My Sister, said it will amend the erroneous point in later editions. The BBC reported the publisher’s intention to correct the passage.
+When were the disputed photographs of Princess Diana published?
The photographs cited in the memoir were published by the Sunday Mirror on 7 November 1993. BBC News identified that date as the source of the images referenced in the disputed claim.
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