Cape Town - The broadcaster many people love to hate has done it again.
Piers Morgan has been called a "bellend" by editors and journalists after he broke an embargo, revealing the earnings of some of England's top media personalities.
The information had been circulated to all media on Wednesday morning, with the stipulation that the list could only be made public from 11am.
Morgan, who presents Good Morning Britain, tweeted out the salaries of the 109 highest-paid BBC presenters earning more than £150 000 (R2.5m) a year well before the agreed-to embargo.
BREAKING: Chris Evans highest paid BBC star: £2.2-2.49m.
(2. Gary Lineker: £1.75-1.79m)
Highest paid woman:
Claudia Winkleman £450k-£499k.
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 19, 2017
He drew sharp criticism from other editors and journalists.
Well I suppose you may or may not think the BBC News staff are overpaid but at least they understand the word “embargo”
— Janine Gibson (@janinegibson) July 19, 2017
Everyone had figures, under embargo. Morgan breaks embargo. Claims it as a "scoop". Is sexist to excellent reporter. https://t.co/VGzmw574Kb
— Kaya Burgess (@kayaburgess) July 19, 2017
#BBCpay Breaking an embargo, with stuff we've all been sitting on for hours, is not a 'scoop', it is naff, delusional & unprofessional.
— Alastair Stewart (@alstewitn) July 19, 2017
BREAKING: Piers Morgan is a bellend.
— Tom Peck (@tompeck) July 19, 2017
However, he passed off the sleight as a "scoop", which drew even more criticism.
I understand the word 'scoop' better. https://t.co/Xu7w8P9QtP
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 19, 2017
Breaking embargoes is being that repulsive brat who sneakily unwraps his presents on December 23. Scoop my arse
— Ian Prior (@ianprior) July 19, 2017
You snooze, you lose mate. https://t.co/hJKFnGSI37
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 19, 2017