JEREMY Clarkson’s BBC contract will not be renewed, following an “unprovoked attack” on an Irish producer.
The Director General of the BBC Tony Hall this afternoon confirmed that Clarkson would be dropped from Top Gear after 13 years, following the “fracas” with Oisín Tymon, a BBC producer, earlier this month.
“For me a line has been crossed,” Mr Hall said. “There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations.”
It is understood that the row took place in a Yorkshire hotel, when Clarkson had no hot meal provided after a day of filming.
Mr Tymon – who did not retaliate during the incident - went to accident and emergency with a swollen and bloody lip after the “unprovoked physical and verbal attack” on March 4.
“This decision should in no way detract from the extraordinary contribution that Jeremy Clarkson has made to the BBC,” added Mr Hall. “Jeremy is a huge talent. He may be leaving the BBC but I am sure he will continue to entertain, challenge and amuse audiences for many years to come.”
Mr Tymon did not file a formal complaint about Clarkson’s behaviour and it is understood Clarkson reported himself to BBC bosses following the incident.
The BBC will now look at "renewing" Top Gear for 2016 - with the rumour mill in overdrive as the who will replace Clarkson.
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