Former Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson apologized to the producer he punched last year in a fit of anger that ultimately ended his tenure on the show. He also settled a racial discrimination claim brought by the producer, Oisin Tymon.
“I would like to say sorry, once again, to Oisin Tymon for the incident and its regrettable aftermath,” Clarkson said, according to the BBC. Clarkson was dismissed by the British television network last year after the incident. The settlement is reportedly in excess of 100,000 pounds ($140,000), which both Clarkson and the BBC will contribute to.
Clarkson added that “none of this was in any way his fault,” and called for an end to the public harassment Tymon has faced because of his connection to Clarkson’s dismissal from Top Gear. He said the abuse directed at Tymon was “unwarranted” and that he was sorry Tymon has had to go through it.
Clarkson is understood to have punched Tymon while filming on location last year, after being told there would be no hot food available. A BBC report said Clarkson called Tymon “lazy” and “Irish,” and used a “four-letter expletive.” At the time, Tymon said he would not press charges, and subsequently became the victim of sustained abuse on social media.
Already on thin ice because of other controversies related to Top Gear, Clarkson was fired after a full investigation of what is typically referred to as the “fracas.” Co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May subsequently left the show as well. The trio are now making a new car show for Amazon.
The BBC plans to relaunch Top Gear this May with a squad of new hosts. Radio host Chris Evans will lead the new show, accompanied by Matt LeBlanc, Sabine Schmitz, Chris Harris, Eddie Jordan, and Rory Reid. “Tame racing driver” The Stig will return as well, although it’s unclear how much else from the Clarkson-Hammond-May era will transition to the new show.
