Jeremy Clarkson, the controversial host of BBC’s popular automotive show “Top Gear,” has been fired following an investigation into what had been called a “fracas” with a producer at a Yorkshire hotel.
An investigation led by Ken MacQuarrie, the director of BBC Scotland, concluded that producer Oisin Tymon was subject to an
"unprovoked physical and verbal attack," the BBC reported.
The incident reportedly occurred after Clarkson was told that no hot food was available at the hotel following a day of filming, the BBC said.
"For me a line has been crossed,” BBC director general Tony Hall said, according to the BBC. “There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations."
Hall said the decision not to renew the contract of the host, who joined the show in 1988, wasn’t taken lightly and he recognizes it will be controversial. He said the decision shouldn’t detract from Clarkson’s "extraordinary contribution to BBC."
Clarkson has seen an outpouring of support since being suspended from the show since March 10. More than a million people signed an online petition to have the star reinstated.
“Voices like his have an important place on the BBC but not at any price,”
Hall said, according to The Independent. “Violence accompanied by prolonged verbal abuse crosses a line.”
North Yorkshire Police have asked the BBC for the report detailing the incident to determine whether police action is necessary.
The future of the show, which has a global audience of about 350 million and generates about £50 million ($74.6 million) for the network, is uncertain.
Twitter users shared mixed reactions.
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