British journalist and presenter Piers Morgan has backtracked on his controversial statements about Jake Paul, after the American boxer threatened legal action over insinuations of “rigged” fights by the controversial fighter.
Morgan initially had labeled Paul’s fights as “boring and fake,” leaving room for interpretations about what might be fixed
But he has now publicly clarified that he did not mean to suggest that the results were predetermined or that there was anything illegal.
Piers Morgan clarifies his words on social media
After the strong reaction from Paul’s legal team, Piers Morgan took to his X account to explain more precisely what he really meant by his comments:
“What I meant is that his fights have been predominantly against older and past their prime opponents, which can be lucrative for both parties and have value as entertainment, but do not show how he compares to currently ranked boxers and therefore do not give a good picture of the sport.”
He also clarified that he never intended to suggest that the fights could be fixed:
I did not mean to suggest that the outcome was predetermined, and I certainly did not mean to imply anything illegal
Jake Paul responds to Piers Morgan with legal action
Paul’s response was swift, hiring high-profile lawyer Alex Spiro, who has worked with figures such as Elon Musk and Jay-Z, to evaluate a possible lawsuit.
“I have been retained by Mr. Paul to seek legal redress for the damage he has suffered. If someone uses their public platform to damage him and the sport with lies, there will be consequences,” said Spiro.
The 28-year-old boxer also stated: “I have dedicated my life to boxing and I will not allow those in the public eye to damage me or the sport I love and respect, without consequences.”
It is not known whether legal action will continue now that Piers Morgan has retracted his words, or clarified them, depending on the perspective, it seems that now, with these statements could avoid a lawsuit.
In addition, the presenter has extended an invitation to Paul to debate on his television program, ‘Uncensored’, where everything could finally be clarified.
Morgan even praised Paul for his intention to face former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, calling it a brave and serious step in his career, a change in the narrative that has not gone unnoticed by Paul’s followers who have let him know on social media suggesting that Morgan has changed his perspective for fear of receiving a million-dollar lawsuit.
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