Popular and controversial BBC host Jeremy Clarkson is going from top of the heap to the bottom of the barrel as reports say the network plans on firing the Top Gear host tomorrow. The decision comes after an investigation into Clarkson’s alleged assault of Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, which the BBC concludes happened.
Top Gear, a globetrotting show about cars viewed by 350 million people in 170 countries, suspended Clarkson on March 10 after he turned himself in to his bosses, confessing to the incident.
BBC Scotland boss Ken MacQuarrie’s report of the incident states that Clarkson “verbally abused Mr Tymon for 20 minutes, before physically attacking him for at least 30 seconds.” The assault happened at the Simonstone Hall hotel in North Yorkshire, England when the TV host became angry when he was told there wasn’t anymore hot food when he demanded steak and fries after a day of shooting.
Although the official BBC announcement hasn't happened there are already rumors that Clarkson may be headed to Netflix. But can Netflix afford Clarkson? The host was making well over a million dollars for his hosting duties.
Clarkson commented on the situation by thanking fans—a million of which signed a petition for his reinstatement.
Update 3/25/15 (10:16 a.m.): BBC Director-General Tony Hall confirmed Jeremy Clarkson's contract hasn't been renewed, issuing the following statement:
"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. The main facts are not disputed by those involved.
"This decision should in no way detract from the extraordinary contribution that Jeremy Clarkson has made to the BBC. I have always personally been a great fan of his work and Top Gear. 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."
[via The Age]
