Larry King's Fans Slam Piers Morgan for Slanderous Remarks in His Tribute to the Late Anchor

Piers Morgan lands in hot water for his tributary tweet about the late Larry King. Morgan drew the ire of King fans for his remarks about King's personal life, with many accusing him of making the moment about himself.

Former CNN host Piers Morgan has paid tribute to the CNN icon Larry King in a tweet that fans have criticized as insensitive. Morgan took over the reins from King to host "Piers Morgan Tonight" in 2011.

Morgan, 55, tweeted that King had been a hero of his, until their relationship got strained, following Morgan's replacement of King in 2011. Morgan alleged King compared his show to watching one's mother in law drive over a cliff in a Bentley.

Morgan quipped that as someone who had married been 8 times, King was undoubtedly an expert in mothers-in-law. Fans lambasted Morgan, with several calling him disrespectful and chastising him for making King's death about himself.

One commenter took a jab at Morgan's journalism abilities, insinuating that it was because King's comment was true that he was later released from his show on CNN. "Selling Sunsets" star Chrishelle Stause also chimed in, tweeting:

"Does it bother you to think because of moments like this, what people will say about you when your time comes? Think about it and do better, please."

King's passing was announced on his Facebook page and confirmed by his son, Chance, saying he died on Saturday, January 23, at Cedar Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. He was 87 years old.

Although the cause of death was not elaborated on, a source close to the family revealed in late December that the veteran TV host had been hospitalized with Covid-19 at the medical center.

His health suffered in his later years, enduring several heart attacks in 1987.

Other tributes from the Hollywood fraternity include Wendy Williams, Boy George, and Andy Cohen. Ryan Secrest tweeted he had lost a friend and adviser who had been a true American treasure.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo credited King's more than 50 000 interviews throughout his career, which served to inform his audience in an easy to understand manner. CNN's Christian Amanpour also shared her tribute, tweeting:

"His name is synonymous with CNN and he was vital to the network’s ascent. EVERYONE wanted to be on Larry King Live. May he Rest in Peace."

No stranger to making headlines, Morgan was chastised yet again last year after being photographed without wearing a mask while getting into a cab with his wife, Celia, amidst Britain's tier 3 lockdown.

Morgan swiftly admitted to his wrongdoing on Twitter, explaining he remember a few seconds after getting into the vehicle to wear his mask. Morgan later revealed that 7 of his family members had tested positive for the virus.

King enjoyed a long-lasting career that many in journalism relish. After beginning his radio career, King's CNN show premiered in 1985, enjoying over 25 years on the air. He interviewed every president from Gerald Ford to Barack Obama.

His health suffered in his later years, suffering several heart attacks in 1987. In 2017 he underwent successful surgery for a lung cancer diagnosis. He also underwent a procedure in 2019 to deal with his angina.