British journalists of color have rejected the claim that the press in the United Kingdom isn't racist in the wake of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's recent interview with Oprah Winfrey.
In the widely-publicized interview, which aired on CBS on Sunday, March 7, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex spoke with Winfrey about a variety of subjects.
In particular, they spoke about the heavy scrutiny Markle fell under from the UK tabloid press, and the racial discrimination Markle claimed she was a victim of.
In particular, Prince Harry alleged that: "The UK is not bigoted, the UK press is bigoted, specifically the tabloids.
"But unfortunately, if the source of information is inherently corrupt or racist or biased, then that filters out to the rest of society."
In response to Prince Harry's claims, the British Society of Editors - which represents approximately 400 members in senior journalism positions at national and regional titles across the United Kingdom - has published an article denying that the British press has an inherent racial bias.
In the article in question, SOE Executive Director Ian Murray states, in part, that: "It is not acceptable for the Duke and Duchess to make such claims without providing any supporting evidence."
Murry continued: "If it is simply the case the Sussexes feel that the press, by questioning their actions and commenting on their roles when working as Royals funded by the taxpayer, [was] being racist, then they are mistaken.
"In the case of Meghan Markle and her engagement and marriage to Prince Harry, there was universal supporting coverage in the UK media which reflected the warmth shown to the couple by the British people.
"But that warmth could not, and should not, mean the press should be expected to refuse to report, investigate and comment on the couple’s lifestyle and actions."
In response to this, over 167 journalists of color working in all levels of the British media signed and published an open letter condemning the SoE’s statement.
The open letter states in part:
"While Meghan’s comments shone a light on her own personal experiences of discriminatory treatment, they reflect the depressingly familiar reality of how people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are portrayed by the UK press on a daily basis.
"The Society of Editors’ claim that the Sussexes’ views were made without 'supporting evidence' shows a wilful ignorance.
"Not just the discriminatory treatment of Meghan - some of which was highlighted during the interview - but that of other people from an ethnic minority background."
The letter continues: "The Society of Editors should have used the comments by the Sussexes to start an open and constructive discussion about the best way to prevent racist coverage in future, including through addressing lack of representation in the UK media, particularly at a senior level.
"The blanket refusal to accept there is any bigotry in the British press is laughable, does a disservice to journalists of color, and shows an institution and an industry in denial."
According to The Independent, Murray has since resigned as a result of the backlash, and claimed in an official statement that his article "was not intended to gloss over the fact the media industry in the UK does have work to do on inclusivity and diversity".
Murry continued: "While I do not agree that the society's statement was in any way intended to defend racism, I accept it could have been much clearer in its condemnation of bigotry and has clearly caused upset.
"As Executive Director I lead the society and as such must take the blame and so I have decided it is best for the board and membership that I step aside so that the organization can start to rebuild its reputation."