The BBC has suspended “Top Gear” host Jeremy Clarkson pending an investigation after a “fracas” with a producer of the motoring show.
The BBC didn’t give details about the incident. The controversial host was given a final warning last year after being accused of using a racial slur while filming.
The show will not be broadcast on Sunday.
The Guardian reported that the incident involved Clarkson allegedly throwing a punch at a male producer. He has a reputation for frequent offensive comments, and in an incident last year, the “Top Gear” crew was chased out of Argentina over an offensive license plate.
Fans quickly rallied behind Clarkson, with Guido Fawkes
launching a petition urging the BBC to reinstate the host. The petition had about 44,000 supporters as of Tuesday afternoon and sparked the hashtag #BringBackClarkson on social media.
“Top Gear” is the most-watched factual TV show in the world, with an estimated
350 million viewers in 214 countries, The Independent reported.
Clarkson joined the show in 1988.
Twitter users shared mixed reactions.
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