Jeremy Clarkson. A name that stirs up different reactions from different people.
The host of the hugely popular UK motoring show Top Gear elicits feelings of hatred, affection or simply indifference among the people of the world. He is highly controversial and on Tuesday evening was suspended by the BCC from the show after he allegedly punched a producer.
54-year-old Clarkson, who rose to fame in Britain in the late ’80s, is known for his often offensive opinions and dislike for politically-correct types. He has defined himself as the straight talking, mouthy, humorous presenter that most people love to hate. His list of apologies for causing offence to almost every minority group under the sun is long-winded and this alleged, so-called ‘fracas’ with a producer is just the latest controversy.
Clarkson joined BBC’s original Top Gear in 1988, after starting his career as a motoring journalist. He is now credited with bringing the new format to the mainstream with his co-presenters Richard Hammond and James May. He was given his final warning by the BBC in 2014, to not say “one more offensive remark, anywhere, at any time.”
Following the most recent alleged incident the show will not go on with BBC News reporting that the broadcaster is expected to scrap the remainder of the series. Top Gear is the world’s most widely watched factual television programme.
If you live outside of Europe and Australia, there is a fair chance Clarkson doesn’t flash up on your radar all the time, so here is a look at the man in all his controversial glory.
Countries Clarkson has insulted
Australia: In 2013, Clarkson abused local photographers after they snapped him coming off a boat with his former mistress Phillipa Sage. Clarkson yelled at the paparazzi: “You can take them out of England, but you just can’t take the convict out of them.”
France: Clarkson has insulted France numerous times over the years, but here are two particularly obnoxious quotes:
Discussing how the Renault Clio V6 car handled bends, Clarkson said: “In typical French fashion it just gives up! A bit like the French did with the Germans.” While speaking about the Lotus Elise: “This car is more fun than the entire French air force crashing into a firework factory.”
America: Clarkson doesn’t like Americans very much. He thinks they are fat, stupid and rude. In one episode, he said the invention of the Segway happened in America as “fat Yanks can go to the fridge without expending energy.”
Thailand: In March 2014, Top Gear built a make-shift bridge over the River Kwai in Thailand. Afterwards Clarkson commented, as an asian man crossed the bamboo stucture: “That is a proud moment – but there’s a slope on it.”
Top Gear issued an apology after viewers complained that the remark was racist. “When we used the word ‘slope’ in the recent Top Gear Burma Special it was a light-hearted word play joke referencing both the build quality of the bridge and the local Asian man who was crossing it,” the program stated. “If we had known [it was offensive] at the time we would not have broadcast the word in this context and regret any offense caused.”
Germany: In series seven, Clarkson reviewed the German-made BMW Mini and raised his arm in a Nazi gesture. He then went on to say the car needed a navigation system that “only goes into Poland,” referring to the invasion that started WWII.
Argentina: In the Top Gear Christmas Special filmed in 2014, a Porsche used in the program had the number plate H982 FKL, which many commenters took to be a reference to the 1982 Falklands War. Many locals in the town of Patagonia were outraged and took the streets to protest. Top Gear denied the number plate use was intentional.
Mexico: Clarkson thought he was safe on this episode, claiming the Mexican ambassador would be asleep during the broadcast. The team called Mexicans lazy, feckless, flatulent, overweight and “swimming pool cleaners.”
Clarkson’s insults on humanity
Black people: Clarkson was given his final warning by the BBC after he was caught saying the N-word in footage that was not used on the show. He was saying the rhyme “Eeny, Meeny, Miny Moe” to decide between two cars, when he claims he mumbled the word in attempt to avoid it. Eventually, Clarkson released a groveling apology.
Keira Knightley: Clarkson has referred to British actress Keira Knightley in his insults on multiple occasions.
In a review he said: “I’m sorry, but having an Aston Martin DB9 on the drive and not driving it is a bit like having Keira Knightley in your bed and sleeping on the couch. If you’ve got even half a scrotum it’s not going to happen.” He has also referred to her an “ironing board with a face.”
Homosexuals: In series six, Clarkson describes the Daihatsu Copen as “a bit gay” before being reminded by producers to stay away from remarks regarding sexual orientation.
Height-challenged people: Clarkson believes short people are not human.
Short people. When you’ve finished using a car, put the fucking seat back, so humans can use it afterwards.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) August 23, 2012
Public workers: Clarkson would like to execute them.
Poor people: Clarkson is a snob.
I don’t understand bus lanes. Why do poor people have to get to places quicker than I do
— Jeremy Clarkson (@TheClarkson) August 24, 2010
People with disabilities: Clarkson doesn’t understand the needs of the disabled.
“Britain’s nuclear submarines have been deemed unsafe… probably because they don’t have wheel-chair access.”
— Clarkson Quotes (@ClarksonsQuotes) May 10, 2012
Sarah Jessica Parker: He also thinks SJP is unattractive.
It is not clear why the BBC is fed up with its main star or why the ‘fracas’ with a colleague was the final straw.
Publicly, at least, Clarkson isn’t looking too worried telling The Sun: “I’m having a nice cold pint and waiting for this to blow over.”
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