Jeremy Clarkson, Top Gear host, suspended by BBC after 'fracas'

[Grant Lamontagne]

Maybe he can replace all three of the guys on Top Gear USA and make the show watchable? 

Def

[dks]

I liked the TG Australia presenters (some of them).

[ToolJoe]

Has there been any rumblings about one of the other channels (itv, channel 4) trying to snatch any of these guys up?

[kirk13]

There's talk that Sky has been on to Jezza.

[Philby]

There's talk that Sky has been on to Jezza.

Sky are well versed in the art of dealing with 'problem' 'talent'!

[Etherealicer]

Its official now,

Jeremy Clarkson has sacked (well, I think they just don't renew his contract).
And the Incident Report.

I like BBC for following through

There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations

[dks]

Sad, but justified...

I just hope he is not replaced by some PC crowd favourite or a woman as it will really destroy the dynamics of the show.... I doubt it will ever be the same anyway, irrespective of what happens.

Well, due to JClarksons own stupidity/will the TG haters have got their own way.

sad, sad, day

[dks]

Investigation findings – Ken MacQuarrie
On 9 March 2015, Jeremy Clarkson reported to BBC management that he had been involved in a
physical and verbal incident with Oisin Tymon, the producer of Top Gear, at the Simonstone Hall
Hotel, North Yorkshire, whilst working on location. The incident had occurred on 4 March 2015
and Jeremy Clarkson was suspended on 10 March, pending investigation.
I was asked to undertake an investigation to establish the facts of what occurred. In conducting my
investigation, in line with the BBC’s usual practice, I interviewed a number of witnesses and others
connected with the incident. Accounts were agreed, based on my interviews, with each participant.
Having conducted these interviews and considered the evidence presented, I conclude the
following: on 4 March 2015 Oisin Tymon was subject to an unprovoked physical and verbal attack
by Jeremy Clarkson. During the physical attack Oisin Tymon was struck, resulting in swelling and
bleeding to his lip. The verbal abuse was sustained over a longer period, both at the time of the
physical attack and subsequently.
Specific facts I have found as part of my investigation are as follows:
 earlier on 4 March, studio recording of Top Gear had taken place in Surrey and the presenters
had travelled that same evening to the location shoot in North Yorkshire;
 the incident occurred on a patio area of the Simonstone Hall Hotel, where Oisin Tymon was
working on location for Top Gear;
 the physical attack lasted around 30 seconds and was halted by the intervention of a witness;
 it is the case that Oisin Tymon offered no retaliation;
 the verbal abuse was directed at Oisin Tymon on more than one occasion – both during the
attack and subsequently inside the hotel – and contained the strongest expletives and threats to
sack him. The abuse was at such volume as to be heard in the dining room, and the shouting
was audible in a hotel bedroom;
 derogatory and abusive language, relating to Oisin Tymon and other members of the Top Gear
team, continued to be used by Jeremy Clarkson inside the hotel, in the presence of others, for a
sustained period of time;
 it is clear that Oisin Tymon was shocked and distressed by the incident, and believed that he
had lost his job;
 following the attack, I understand that Oisin Tymon drove to a nearby A&E department for
examination;
 over the subsequent days, Jeremy Clarkson made a number of attempts to apologise to Oisin
Tymon by way of text, email and in person; and
 it is the case that Jeremy Clarkson reported the incident to BBC management.
It was not disputed by Jeremy Clarkson or any witness that Oisin Tymon was the victim of an
unprovoked physical and verbal attack. It is also clear to me that Oisin Tymon is an important
creative member of the Top Gear team who is well-valued and respected. He has suffered significant
personal distress as a result of this incident, through no fault of his own.

[Higgins617]

Well that's never a good choice of action.... Wasn't there bad blood between him and the producers?(not that it rectifies the situation, just curious)

[Etherealicer]

According to the Swiss News he might also have to face legal consequences, as the prosecution is looking at the case now.

[Mr. Whippy]

According to the Swiss News he might also have to face legal consequences, as the prosecution is looking at the case now.

Geeze,

I don't know about criminal charges. 

I mean, if I pressed criminal charges everytime I got a fat lip, my horses and dogs would all be in jail, I think. 

(Can that smiley be grounds for charges?  )

[dks]

"Co-star James May called the decision a 'tragedy' and said he, Clarkson and Richard Hammond 'come as a package', suggesting that all three are now likely to leave the BBC.
May, who was spotted outside his London home in a variety of outfits today, also hinted that his future with Top Gear may be over, after changing his Twitter biography to describe himself as a 'former TV presenter.'
Hammond tweeted shortly afterwards: 'Gutted at such a sad end to an era. We're all three of us idiots in our different ways but it's been an incredible ride together'."

There is talk about all of them moving to a rival Chanel - a guaranteed hit for whoever employs them, if they can afford them.

As for the legal issues, it all depends on whether a complaint will be made to the police and how it will be viewed. People hit each other all the time, without going to jail or paying huge fines. There is also the point of whether the BBC will like to be drawn into a long legal battle. Really, the BBC may end up having to pay the victim, for not ensuring his safety.

As I said, a legally/morally justified decision, that is down to Jeremy's stupidity, who should have known better...

[Gareth]

Hammond and May have previously said they wouldn't do the show without him, I wonder if they'll stick to that? 

I'll be surprised if BBC actually try and do it without him.  Lets be honest; the show hasn't actually been about cars in years, it's about the banter between the three presenters.

dks beat me too it.

[dks]

.........faster than an MTO  MOD......................   

[derekmac]

The cars were just a bonus to me.  I enjoyed the show for the three of them, and the crap they said and did.  BBC is going to lose out big time, but again, law is law, and one person can not be held above it.

I would love to see them all together in another car show.  Hell, they could do a show about house plants and it would be interesting!

[Mr. Whippy]

The cars were just a bonus to me.  I enjoyed the show for the three of them, and the crap they said and did.  BBC is going to lose out big time, but again, law is law, and one person can not be held above it.

This is true.  And for BBC, there will be other successful shows, despite the hit they'll take on this.

[styx]

Well I like Top Gear but it takes guts from BBC to follow trough like this

[Whoey]

I think they'll find a home on a different network as well.

I also think there's probably some details left out of the "investigation".

In the end I believe they just wanted an excuse to clear out some hefty salaries.

The BBC will continue raking in money from DVD sales of Top Gear. Long after they're all gone.

[styx]

Seriously, who owns the rights to the name Top gear?

[dks]

The BBC.

JClar. had part of the rights but sold them to the BBC a few years ago

[Grant Lamontagne]

Hammond and May have previously said they wouldn't do the show without him, I wonder if they'll stick to that? 

I'll be surprised if BBC actually try and do it without him.  Lets be honest; the show hasn't actually been about cars in years, it's about the banter between the three presenters.

dks beat me too it.

My guess is there are already more than a few serious offers on the table.  Individually they all are a draw, admittedly to varying levels, but as a group they are more than a sum of their parts. 

Def

[kirk13]

In the face of a hundred odd people dying on a plane crash in the Swiss Alps,I can't agree with May calling this a tragity. No,it's a fair outcome for assault in the workplace!

Sorry,30 sec rant over

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

In the face of a hundred odd people dying on a plane crash in the Swiss Alps,I can't agree with May calling this a tragity. No,it's a fair outcome for assault in the workplace!

Sorry,30 sec rant over

That's my take too really. If I smacked someone I know I could expect the sack so why not him?

[Higgins617]

I do think the whole legal action thing may be excessive though. But then again I also think punishment for whacking someone is getting whacked back harder, but that's just how I am. It bugs me how every single little thing somehow becomes a criminal matter.(not defending this case, just a generalization of America lately).

If someone whacks me I'm not going to whine and try to get someone arrested or fined,I'm going to return the favor. (Again not what should have happened in this case, just my general feeling)

[BASguy]

I do think the whole legal action thing may be excessive though. But then again I also think punishment for whacking someone is getting whacked back harder, but that's just how I am. It bugs me how every single little thing somehow becomes a criminal matter.(not defending this case, just a generalization of America lately).

If someone whacks me I'm not going to whine and try to get someone arrested or fined,I'm going to return the favor. (Again not what should have happened in this case, just my general feeling)

Boys will be boys and men will be men.  Whack him back and move on..... Maybe that's just the Arizona Cowboy in me, but I couldn't agree with you more.  A litigious society is not a better society.  It doesnt make us kinder, gentler, and safer. 


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Philby]

I think something like this was bound to happen, Clarkson turned into a horrible caricature of himself. An actual real life Alan Partridge. Perhaps a slot on late night provincial radio is the next move.

[styx]

He is too much of a draw for other TV networks to pass up

[Philby]

He is too much of a draw for other TV networks to pass up

Other 'commercial' tv networks, have to abide by the will of the advertisers. Commercial sensibilities are far more sensitive. Look at what happened to the two sexist smurfs on Sky sports. In Clarkson's case, you've got; sexism, racism, classism........ Basically all the isms, plus violent conduct. We'll see who's willing to put their brand to his ugly mug!

[dks]

   He seems to be doing OK with the ladies   

[styx]

He is too much of a draw for other TV networks to pass up

Other 'commercial' tv networks, have to abide by the will of the advertisers. Commercial sensibilities are far more sensitive. Look at what happened to the two sexist smurfs on Sky sports. In Clarkson's case, you've got; sexism, racism, classism........ Basically all the isms, plus violent conduct. We'll see who's willing to put their brand to his ugly mug!

What to smurfs on Sky sports?