Jeremy Clarkson officially fired from Top Gear UK and BBC

[Kompresshun]

Not that I condone what Clarkson did in the situation, but they have had him under a microscope for a while now with his previous incidents. I don't care how they sugarcoat it - they had been looking for a reason to can him for a while and it's unfortunate things had to go down this way, but I can't find fault in their reasoning this time at all. He threw a punch at someone, regardless of how it happened. You can't defend that unless they took a swing at you first.

If it would have been one of the many times Clarkson ruffled everyone's feathers by something he said and they canned him, I would have been outraged. This time though, it's a shame to see him fired but it's what had to be done. He'll be fine and i'm sure this isn't the last we'll see of Clarkson. I bet he'll get picked up for something else within a month, if not all three hosts.

The only part I find completely foolish is that they intend to continue Top Gear without him. There is a possibility of it surviving, but I think it'll be on life support if it does. James May and Richard Hammond have both said they will not film any further Top Gear episodes without Clarkson. Even if they did decide to stay with the show, I think it will be tough to keep it going without the original trio.

It's a sad day for motoring for sure, but while it's looking like the end for Top Gear UK is near it's definitely not the last we'll see of Clarkson.

Tony Hall, the BBC Director-General, has today released the following statement regarding Jeremy Clarkson.

It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract. It is not a decision I have taken lightly. I have done so only after a very careful consideration of the facts and after personally meeting both Jeremy and Oisin Tymon.

I am grateful to Ken MacQuarrie for the thorough way he has conducted an investigation of the incident on 4th March. Given the obvious and very genuine public interest in this I am publishing the findings of his report. I take no pleasure in doing so. I am only making them public so people can better understand the background. I know how popular the programme is and I also know that this decision will divide opinion.

Hit the link for the rest of the story: http://www.autoblog.com/2015/03/25/jere ... on-report/

[RicerX]

Came here to post this.

They still didn't say what sparked the incident at all. I think it boils down to it being "the last straw" kind of thing as they were looking for a solid reason to dump him. The other part is that his current contract was up at the end of this season, so if there was a buyout clause for termination written into it, it was cheap at this point in its lifecycle.

I imagine there might be some showing of Clarkson on Netflix at some point - safest bet there is.

I'm pissed though because now we're not going to get the LaFerrari vs. 918 Spyder vs. McLaren P1.

[Bubba1]

I'm pissed though because now we're not going to get the LaFerrari vs. 918 Spyder vs. McLaren P1.

Could be a vast Ferrari conspiracy to keep the camparison test from occurring.

[Rogue One]

Came here to post this.

They still didn't say what sparked the incident at all. I think it boils down to it being "the last straw" kind of thing as they were looking for a solid reason to dump him. The other part is that his current contract was up at the end of this season, so if there was a buyout clause for termination written into it, it was cheap at this point in its lifecycle.

I imagine there might be some showing of Clarkson on Netflix at some point - safest bet there is.

I'm pissed though because now we're not going to get the LaFerrari vs. 918 Spyder vs. McLaren P1.

Jeremy Clarkson sacked by the BBC: official
Jeremy Clarkson has been told that his BBC career is over and Top Gear will continue without him next year, the BBC director-general said
Video: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/top ... chX_EdmbcX

Jeremy Clarkson faces assault charge after being sacked by BBC
Top Gear's Jeremy Clarkson faces charge by North Yorkshire police after aiming a punch at producer during row. Jeremy Clarkson faces arrest today after the BBC sacked him for punching a Top Gear producer in the face with such force he had to go to A&E.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... z3VPwl26sC

[RicerX]

That's the first link I've seen that actually stated what pissed Clarkson off.

Sounds completely silly - also sounds like it's something that came about after exhaustion from 10-12 hours of work.

Also sounds like some dude can't handle a punch to the face from a 54 year old man. A lot of this has butthurt all over it from top to bottom.

[RicerX]

I'm pissed though because now we're not going to get the LaFerrari vs. 918 Spyder vs. McLaren P1.

Could be a vast Ferrari conspiracy to keep the camparison test from occurring.

You have uncovered the core of this cold-cut mystery.

*sees himself out*

[Bubba1]

That's the first link I've seen that actually stated what pissed Clarkson off.

Sounds completely silly - also sounds like it's something that came about after exhaustion from 10-12 hours of work.

Also sounds like some dude can't handle a punch to the face from a 54 year old man. A lot of this has butthurt all over it from top to bottom.

Disagree. To me, it sounds more like a perhaps drunk, narcissistic buffoon acting like a spoiled brat lashing out at an underling than being tired from being filmed. Clarkson's actions unacceptable no matter how you look it. Geez, If you did that at your job, you'd be fired immediately, get arrested for assault, and then probably sued in civil court. If you think about things from the producer's perspective, I think he took the high road. He did not file any complaints. Clarkson is the one who went and told his bosses what he did. The Producer has worked with Clarkson for years, so he's probably used to Clarkson's verbal abuse. Clarkson simply made a hugely dumb mistake by going one serious step further and getting physical. Had the producer punched back, he probably would have kicked Clarkson's butt as Clarkson is not in good shape. But more importantlu, he also could have easily lost his own job. The producer did the right thing. You see what the producer did as weakness, I see it as restraint, which is stronger.

Listen, I like Clarkson and TG-UK, and as fans, we would have preferred Clarkson to get a slap on the wrist, and give a major apology. But I don't think BBC had much choice but to fire him. Notice that Jeremy has not argued about it? That should give you an idea he knows he screwed up bigtime.

[RicerX]

That's the first link I've seen that actually stated what pissed Clarkson off.

Sounds completely silly - also sounds like it's something that came about after exhaustion from 10-12 hours of work.

Also sounds like some dude can't handle a punch to the face from a 54 year old man. A lot of this has butthurt all over it from top to bottom.

Disagree. To me, it sounds more like a perhaps drunk, narcissistic buffoon acting like a spoiled brat lashing out at an underling than being tired from being filmed. Clarkson's actions unacceptable no matter how you look it. Geez, If you did that at your job, you'd be fired immediately, get arrested for assault, and then probably sued in civil court. If you think about things from the producer's perspective, I think he took the high road. He did not file any complaints. Clarkson is the one who went and told his bosses what he did. The Producer has worked with Clarkson for years, so he's probably used to Clarkson's verbal abuse. Clarkson simply made a hugely dumb mistake by going one serious step further and getting physical. Had the producer punched back, he probably would have kicked Clarkson's butt as Clarkson is not in good shape. But more importantlu, he also could have easily lost his own job. The producer did the right thing. You see what the producer did as weakness, I see it as restraint, which is stronger.

Listen, I like Clarkson and TG-UK, and as fans, we would have preferred Clarkson to get a slap on the wrist, and give a major apology. But I don't think BBC had much choice but to fire him. Notice that Jeremy has not argued about it? That should give you an idea he knows he screwed up bigtime.

That's really a more rational way of looking at it. I'm calloused to a lot of different types of things in work environments that are heavily frowned upon in the commercial world (verbally berating, for the most part).

I'm an a** for the most part on the subject really. I'm carrying my disdain for people overreacting to physical altercation into this situation. I also initially thought someone tattled, but it's far more telling that Clarkson himself reported the incident, sees himself in the wrong, and that the producer who was hit took zero action whatsoever. That reinforces your point on restraint there. Dude is a far better person than I - I can't say I would have reacted quite that way if one of my coworkers punched me in the face. I also wouldn't have hung around for 30 minutes of someone irrationally screaming at me either (that part still doesn't add up).

[Eikon]

One thing nobody has disclosed is what the underling producer may have done during the altercation. I think we assume that clarkson start yelling at him and then walked over and punched him.. but typically heated arguments can gray the lines between verbal and physical..

What if the producer was yelling back and insulting him?
What if the producer got up in his face and started threatening him?
What if the producer started poing him in the chest with his finger? Chest bump like football players do when they get into each others faces..

I'm not condoning the punch, nor the verbal altercation.. I think it's pretty clear that while very entertaining.. Clarkson is bit full of himself and acts like a child.

Anyhow.. it sucks.. TG was my favorite show and Clarkson made the show.. Hopefully he'll move on to another entertaining show.. The problem is that it won't be on BBC and won't show in the US.

[Dattebayo]

it sounds more like a perhaps drunk, narcissistic buffoon acting like a spoiled brat lashing out at an underling than being tired from being filmed.

You know, there are little hints here and there in the show that he might be a jerk in real life. It's a repeated theme.

[BusyBadger]

That's the first link I've seen that actually stated what pissed Clarkson off.

Sounds completely silly - also sounds like it's something that came about after exhaustion from 10-12 hours of work.

Also sounds like some dude can't handle a punch to the face from a 54 year old man. A lot of this has butthurt all over it from top to bottom.

Disagree. To me, it sounds more like a perhaps drunk, narcissistic buffoon acting like a spoiled brat lashing out at an underling than being tired from being filmed. Clarkson's actions unacceptable no matter how you look it. Geez, If you did that at your job, you'd be fired immediately, get arrested for assault, and then probably sued in civil court. If you think about things from the producer's perspective, I think he took the high road. He did not file any complaints. Clarkson is the one who went and told his bosses what he did. The Producer has worked with Clarkson for years, so he's probably used to Clarkson's verbal abuse. Clarkson simply made a hugely dumb mistake by going one serious step further and getting physical. Had the producer punched back, he probably would have kicked Clarkson's butt as Clarkson is not in good shape. But more importantlu, he also could have easily lost his own job. The producer did the right thing. You see what the producer did as weakness, I see it as restraint, which is stronger.

Listen, I like Clarkson and TG-UK, and as fans, we would have preferred Clarkson to get a slap on the wrist, and give a major apology. But I don't think BBC had much choice but to fire him. Notice that Jeremy has not argued about it? That should give you an idea he knows he screwed up bigtime.

Agree with all of this. Even if this were Clarkson's sole offence every employer I've ever had, the exception perhaps being the Army, had a zero tolerance workplace violence policy. And it's not limited to actual physical attack, threats and intimidation are enough to warrant immediate dismissal. I like the show and I'll miss him but he didn't leave the BBC any alternative, especially after the police became involved.

But face it, this isn't his first infraction, pretty far from it in fact. I remember after his "Eenie, meenie, miney, mo" gaffe his poor me speech about how they'd be watching his behaviour and that the slightest toe over the line would lead to him being fired. So then, he knew the consequences of his actions and yet it wasn't a minor incident or misstep that cost him his job, it was a complete f*** up of monumental proportions.

Like my grandmother used to say, "If you don't listen then you have to feel." That usually involved me getting a whack on the backside but as an adult I've felt it plenty in my wallet. I don't know the financial impact on Jeremy, but I feel the biggest wound will be to his ego.

[Rogue One]

Jeremy Clarkson COULD return to BBC: Creative director doesn’t rule it out following Top Gear sacking

Jeremy Clarkson could return to work at the BBC at some point after he lost his job presenting Top Gear. BBC creative director Alan Yentob told Newsnight that he wouldn’t ‘rule out’ Clarkson’s return to the channel. He said: "Of course I wouldn't rule that out, but that's not for now."

In an interview with ITV News he said: "This is a sad day for the BBC. "We all believe that Jeremy added something very special to the BBC. I personally do because I was involved in his arrival at the BBC when I was running BBC Two for a very good deal of time." He also said he hoped May and Hammond will stay at the BBC.

In an interview on the Media Show, Yentob said the incident with Oisin Tymon was of a “different nature” to any of the other controversies surrounding the Top Gear presenter. Yentob was then asked if he wanted the remaining presenters to say on, he said: "I very much hope that they are going to stay with the BBC and stay with Top Gear.

"I think that conversations will go on in the next few days and weeks about the future of the programme." He added: "If Jeremy is not in it and Richard and James are, that needs to be a conversation with them as well. They need to be happy about what's going on and where they think the programme needs to be."

Paul Staines was also on the show. Paul launched a petition to “bring back Clarkson”, and said a section of the public can related to the BBC: “White van man, including me, now has nothing to watch on a Sunday night … there’s a view the BBC doesn’t represent people like me."

Meanwhile Hammond admitted it was an 'sad end to an era'. He tweeted: "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."

His co-host James May has changed his Twitter bio. It reads: "Former TV presenter only remembered for saying 'Oh c***'. Or was that the other bloke?" He told Sky News: "Well I don't wanna talk about that too much, but I think the three of as a package, it works for very complicated reasons that a lot of people don't fully understand. "So that will require a lot of painful thought."

The host was also asked who he would like to see as a replacement, and while he refused to give a definitive answer he hinted at where his loyalties lie. He said: "As much as I think he's a k**b, I quite like working with Jeremy."

May seemed disappointed with the decision to sack Clarkson, and while he chose to keeps his cards close to his chest he did show some regret over how the incident has unfolded. He added: "I don't have anything to say about it. It's a tragedy. I'm sorry that what ought to have been a small incident sorted out easily turned into something big.

"I don't really wanna say anything more than that at the moment, I've only known for the last few minutes and if you'll excuse me I very desperately have to write the eBay listing for my Ferrari."

[Ace2cool]

I can't fault Hamster and Captain Slow for quitting in solidarity. They've been a team for 10+ years. There's a lot of bonding that goes on, especially in those cross country specials.

[Bubba1]

After reading the article Rogue shared, it also wouldn't surprise me if at some point BBC backs the Brink's truck to Clarkson/May/Hammond's door and offer TG to them again. BBC should be bracing for a huge hit in their wallet as early as next quarter when the many millions in revenue TG-UK generated will no longer be there. And uninspired clones like 5th Gear, or old reruns of Star Trek TNG are not gonna come close to replacing that revenue.

[Rogue One]

Zayn & Jeremy enjoying their 1st Friday off in a while...

[elwesso]

So at this point, since what happened is already done, I would greatly prefer to see Top Gear just end, rather than trying to continue the show and have it go down in flames... Even if May and Hammond decided to continue on, I don't think it'd be the same... I think what they fundamentally was take a car show and make it entertaining for non-car enthusiasts, which was fantastic.. I just think that rather than try and salvage it and ruin a legacy, it might be best just to call it quits.

[Kompresshun]

^Agreed.

There is no reason to ruin the legacy of the show by hoping to squeeze a few more bucks out of it before it dies. Let it ride off into the sunset, because while it may have ended abruptly, the show has been excellent this season and it will leave on a high note. It's time for the BBC to move on and try something new.

I know it won't be the last we see of any of them anyways. Who knows - we may get some specials from them together again in the future.

[Eikon]

Jeremy Clarkson and Jay Leno planning new automotive program:

World Automotive News

This would be awesome.. I think Leno is witty enough to have some great banter back and forth. Not sure where this leaves May and Hammond though..

[numbnuts240]

World Automotive News

[Eikon]

4 days early?

[Bubba1]

http://www.carthrottle.com/post/9nhTXU/

[Rogue One]

Top Gear producer 'won't press charges' against Jeremy Clarkson

Tymon had worked on Top Gear for nearly 10 years before the incident. Oisin Tymon, the Top Gear producer physically and verbally attacked by Jeremy Clarkson, has told police he does not want to press charges. The 36-year-old suffered swelling and bleeding to his lip in the altercation, which took place in a hotel in North Yorkshire.

He was also subjected to a prolonged verbal tirade and drove himself to hospital believing he had lost his job.The incident saw Clarkson dropped by the BBC after an internal inquiry.

In a statement Mr Tymon's lawyer, Paul Daniels, said: "Mr Tymon has informed the police that he doesn't want to press charges. "The events of the last few weeks have been extremely unpleasant for everyone involved. The matter has taken a great toll on Oisin, his family and his friends.

"Quite simply, Mr Tymon just wishes to return now to the job at the BBC he loves, as soon as possible. "Further, the BBC have, in his view, taken action with a view to addressing the issues at hand. "Mr Tymon agrees with the BBC's stated view that all parties should now be allowed to move on, so far as possible." The producer, who previously described Clarkson as a "unique talent", has come under sustained abuse on social media for his involvement in the dispute.

Speaking outside his home on Thursday, Clarkson asked fans to show restraint. "I wish people would leave Ois alone because none of this was his fault," the presenter told reporters.

'Unprovoked attack'

Mr Tymon never lodged a formal complaint with the BBC following the altercation with Clarkson, which took place on 4 March. The internal investigation was prompted after the presenter reported himself to Danny Cohen, the corporation's director of television.

The BBC's director general said Clarkson has "crossed a line". The investigation found that Mr Tymon was subject to an "unprovoked physical and verbal attack". The physical altercation lasted "around 30 seconds and was halted by the intervention of a witness," said the report's author, Ken MacQuarrie.

As a result, the BBC's director general, Tony Hall, said he would not renew Clarkson's contract. "For me a line has been crossed," he said on Wednesday. "There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations." Lord Hall said he "not taken this decision lightly" and recognised it would "divide opinion".

Following Mr Tymon's decision not to press charges, North Yorkshire Police said the force was still investigating the incident. "We are grateful to Mr Tymon for clarifying his position, as we can now take this fully into account," said a spokesman. "We have some final interviews to complete with guests who witnessed the incident as their perspectives also need to be considered.

"When these conversations are complete, we will issue a statement on our website as appropriate."

[elwesso]

Looks like Jeremy has already found a new gig!!!


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFWp1rvA9cs[/youtube]

[Jesda]

Seems like a logical fit IMO. Jeremy and a bunch of blokes making noise.

[Desert Rat]

Maybe they can ruin the show with the three dolts from the American Top Gear. God they suck.

Clarkson was Top Gear. The show is done.

That said, you can't go around punching people and expect no consequences. Then again, I probably wouldn't be able to put up with TV people either based on my brief experience filming a Nissan commercial in El Mirage, CA back in 2002. That was enough for me.

[Rogue One]

Jeremy Clarkson is back already as BBC confirm live shows alongside Top Gear pals James May and Richard Hammond

• BBC have confirmed Jeremy Clarkson will present show's live world tour
• Show will go ahead without BBC branding - and will not feature The Stig
• Tour worth £10million to be renamed Clarkson, Hammond and May Live
• Clarkson was dismissed last week for an 'unprovoked' attack on producer

The BBC have confirmed Top Gear's £10million live world tour will go ahead next month with Jeremy Clarkson at the helm alongside fellow presenters James May and Richard Hammond.

A BBC spokesman said they will fulfil the series of gigs which have already sold 200,000 tickets worldwide - but added that the shows will be stripped of all BBC branding and content and billed as Clarkson, Hammond and May Live.

That means the shows, which will take place in venues as far afield as Australia, Norway, and South Africa as well as the UK, will not be able to use clips from the show or feature The Stig.

The move comes less than a week after Clarkson was dismissed from the BBC for an 'unprovoked' attack on a Top Gear producer.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article ... z3Vzv7OKcW

[Rogue One]

Just Cause Top Gear - Top Gear parody

[Jesda]

^^^ That's amazing!!!

[OriginalWheelman]

James May posted this to Facebook a little while ago.

http://clarkson.tv/

* And Richard Hammond posted this.

[Rogue One]

Big news! The BBC has announced that Chris Evans will front an all new line-up for the next series of Top Gear.
http://www.topgear.com/uk/car-news/Chri ... 2016-06-16
"I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward," Evans said. Evans has signed a three-year deal with BBC and will replace Jeremy Clarkson.