Tech & Auto
Why Top Gear Really Fired Jeremy Clarkson
By ASHER CANTRELL
With Jeremy Clarkson hosting of a rebooted version of “Top Gear” starting in 2002, it was the most popular the show had ever been and the BBC was seemingly pleased.
Controversy followed Clarkson everywhere he went. In particular, he was accused of making insensitive remarks or references on multiple highly-publicized occasions.
According to reports, Clarkson became upset over the food options at a hotel where the show was filming in March, 2015.
Clarkson began hurling verbal abuse at producer Oisin Tymon, including racial remarks about Tymon's Irish ancestry. He then punched Tymon in the face without provocation.
After trying to apologize to Tymon, Clarkson self-reported the incident to the BBC. Production on "Top Gear" was suspended pending an investigation.
On March 25, 2015, BBC announced that it would not renew Clarkson's contract, which expired at the end of that month. Richard Hammond and James May departed the show soon after.