Piers Morgan tells potential suitors: I am no longer a CNN employee

Piers Morgan, the brash former British tabloid editor whose CNN show failed to achieve the veneration accorded its predecessor, Larry King Live, announced on Tuesday that he was no longer an employee of the network.

Morgan’s primetime show was cancelled six months ago, but he apparently remained on the payroll of the network as negotiations continued over what future role he might play.

He said CNN boss Jeff Zucker had offered him a two-year deal to host 40 interview specials, but he had declined. CNN had not made any statement on Tuesday morning.

Morgan’s departure from the 9pm slot, previously occupied by King, was prompted by low ratings.

Some surmised that Morgan’s public announcement was an invitation to “suitors”, for Morgan’s next potential appointment.

In the later period of Morgan’s time at CNN, he became known for a strident stance against semi-automatic weapons, and a White House petition to deport him that resulted.