PIERS MORGAN has been accused of racism following his public criticism of American gymnast Simone Biles after she withdrew from the Tokyo Olympics.
Biles, who was being tipped to win multiple Gold medals at the event, shockingly announced she would take no further part in the Games earlier this week after suffering a bad start.
The 24-year-old cited mental health problems as reason for her departure, and announced she wasn't "having as much fun" as she did four years ago in Rio where she won four Gold medals.
"Physically, I feel good, I'm in shape,' she said. 'Emotionally, that kind of varies on the time and moment. Coming to the Olympics and being head star isn't an easy feat."
In a column for the Daily Mail, Morgan insisted he felt no sympathy for Biles, and even suggested that she'd let her country down.
"There’s nothing heroic or brave about quitting because you’re not having ‘fun’ – you let down your team-mates, your fans and your country," he wrote.
In response, a number of social media users suggested the former Good Morning Britain host was only going after Biles because she was African-American, citing his recent tirades against Meghan Markle to suggest potentially racist motivations.
"Oh, look you're writing another column attacking another black woman. What else is new?" Wrote one Twitter user.
"What is it with you and strong black women?" Another asked him.
But Morgan hit back, rubbishing claims that he might be racist.
What does Simone’s skin colour have to do with it? https://t.co/ruxFIjQqs6
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 28, 2021
"What does Simone's skin colour have to do with it?" He tweeted.
"Anyone who actually reads my columns knows I criticise anyone I feel warrants criticism - regardless of gender or skin colour," he added.
"The trend to brand any critique of high-profile black women as sexist racist bullying is pathetic."
