LONDON (AP) – The BBC decided Wednesday not to renew the contract of “Top Gear” host Jeremy Clarkson after a fracas with his producer, ending his connection to the immensely popular program built around macho banter, off-color jokes and cars.
BBC Director-General Tony Hall concluded that Clarkson physically and verbally attacked a producer, Oisin Tymon, while they were filming on location, leaving him with a swelling and bloody lip. The producer went to a hospital for treatment.
Hall acknowledged that lifting the star of the program “will divide opinion.” But he said a line had been crossed in Clarkson’s often controversial behavior – even if he is a big star.
“There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations,” Hall said.
Fans have clamored for Clarkson’s return, signing a petition which was delivered to the BBC in a tank. Prime Minister David Cameron called Clarkson a friend and a “huge talent.” Will Wyatt, a former director of BBC television, said “Top Gear” without Clarkson would be “a bit like the Musketeers without D’Artagnan.”