Following the well-publicized “fracas” that saw Clarkson allegedly strike Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon after becoming displeased with the post-filming catering options, Tymon has decided to sue both Clarkson and the BBC for racial discrimination and personal injury. According to The Guardian, the Irish Tymon — who is still a BBC employee — looks to claim more than £100,000 ($152,353) in damages.
Tymon’s lawyers met with BBC legal representatives at the Central London Employment Tribunal on Friday, however Clarkson was not required to attend. Details of the case are slim at the moment, but the BBC did release a short statement following the preliminary hearing.
“We will be responding to this claim but will not be commenting further at this time,” the spokesman said.
Back in March, BBC Director-General Tony Hall released a video describing the incident.
“What we know is that the producer Oisin Tymon was indeed attacked by Jeremy Clarkson, and he was also subjected to sustained verbal abuse, using words that no one should have to endure,” he explained. “We all know that Jeremy is a huge talent and has made an extraordinary contribution to the BBC. I’ve always been a great fan of his work on Top Gear, and I also believe that his voice and voices like his have a place — an important place — on the BBC. But not at any price. Physical violence accompanied by prolonged verbal abuse has crossed the line. And that’s why, with regret, I decided this morning that we will not be renewing Jeremy’s contract.”
Clarkson will lead a new automotive program on Amazon Prime starting next year. Filming for the series began in October, and it appears it will feature a highly-anticipated hybrid hypercar showdown between the Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, and Porsche 918. Former Top Gear compatriots Richard Hammond and James May will join Clarkson on the new show, whose name has not yet been revealed.
As for Top Gear itself, the program will live on with BBC Radio 2 presenter Chris Evans serving as the main host.
