Jeremy Clarkson Fired: Top Gear Host Officially Sacked Over Violent Outburst
Popular TV host Jeremy Clarkson whose suspension from 'Top Gear' resulted in mass petitions followed by street protests demanding his reinstatement, has now been officially dropped by the BBC.
Clarkson's future on the show had been a subject of feverish speculation after he was accused of striking his producer Oisin Tymon earlier this month.
The producer was then subjected to a "prolonged verbal abuse of an extreme nature" and had to visit the hospital to tend to a swollen and bleeding lip. The 'fracas' was allegedly over the non-availability of hot food following the completion of a day's filming.
BBC's General Director Tony Hall said in a statement, "I cannot condone what has happened on this occasion. A member of staff-who is a completely innocent party-took himself to Accident and Emergency [the hospital's emergency room] after a physical altercation accompanied by sustained and prolonged verbal abuse of an extreme nature. For me a line has been crossed. There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations."
He went on to add, "It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract."
Top Gear for many years has been one of BBC's most profitable and well-loved shows. It is currently being aired in over 200 countries worldwide netting the corporation nearly $74 million through commercial endorsements on a yearly basis.
Clarkson has over the years, offended many people by deliberately making caustic remarks on a range of subjects. But his fans continue to love his irascible sense of humor and it remains to be seen what the presenter would do next after being dropped from Top Gear.
Meanwhile BBC is looking to renew the show for 2016. Hall said, "The BBC must now look to renew Top Gear for 2016. This will be a big challenge and there is no point in pretending otherwise."
