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BBC apologises (again) for Jeremy Clarkson remarks

Update: BBC apologises after Jeremy Clarkson says striking public servants "should be shot."

When he appeared on BBC’s The One Show, Top Gear‘s Jeremy Clarkson was asked what he would do with the two million public servants who have been striking over changes to their pensions.

“I would have them all shot,” he said.

“I would take them outside and execute them in front of their families.

As laughter emerged in the studio, presenters Matt Baker and Alex Jones, were left speechless.

His comments sparked instant condemnation from viewers, who angrily posted furious comments on Twitter. But others applauded his controversial statements, saying they were clearly said a joke.

The public broadcaster issued a swift on-air apology, saying Clarkson sometimes overstepped the mark in his quest for “comic” value.

A BBC spokeswoman said: “The One Show apologised at the end of the show to viewers who may have been offended by Jeremy Clarkson’s comments.”

John Prescott, the former deputy Prime Minister, added: “I know Jeremy Clarkson likes winding people up but it’s worth pointing out he gets £1m a year from the license fee/public sector”.

Update: In a statement Clarkson later said: “I didn’t for a moment intend these remarks to be taken seriously – as I believe is clear if they’re seen in context.
If the BBC and I have caused any offence, I’m quite happy to apologise for it alongside them.”

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

Source: Telegraph

13 Responses

  1. The difference between Sandilands and Clarkson is Clarkson has more of a conscience, Clarkson is a patron of the Help for Heroes charity which helps wounded British servicemen, has Sandilands ever done anything to help anyone other then himself.

    And both the BBC and Clarkson have apologised for his remarks, a lot more then what Seven and Sandilands will do or ever do.

  2. I saw Seven picked this up this morning, not sure if Nine or the other have reported it yet.

    @Dr.Janet Harrison – IMO the BBC needs Clarkson and Top Gear more than he needs the job.

    And again I’m not defending what he said but he was clearly joking, I wonder if there would be such a fuss if it was a known comedian making the joke?

  3. As usual the misquoting of a situation by the press. In the interest of fairness David you should broadcast what was said leading up to that, where he praised the strikers for emptying the streets of London for the day and making it easier to get around, and then adds something to the effect – “but as this is the BBC in the interest of balance… they should all be shot!”.

  4. Next time he goes to hospital and has to confront those nurses he wanted shot will be intyeresting.I hope the nurses give him all the attention he deserves for bring such a git..He alkso said recently that he hates it when trains have to stop because someone has suicided by being hit.He said trains should keep going and not worry about the mess because the person is already dead.
    Now I know why I can never watych his show

  5. TG’s not one of the most watched shows here in Aus any more. Good one Nine, yet another show you’ve ruined.

    Yes, Clarkson is the dumb person’s Stephen Fry, and he’s what Sandilands can only dream of being. That’s the problem with jokes, they’re supposed to be funny. At least Clarkson gets nearer to the goal than Sandilands, most of the time. Guess that’s why he gets the big bucks, oh yeah, so does Sandilands, go figure.

  6. Um…. The 2nd line was a bit over the top. That said this is what Clarkson is all about people should be used to it by now, besides as long as Top Gear is one of the most watched shows around the world i doubt the BBC cares much anyway.

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