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Clarkson PM insult 'unforgivable' | Clarkson PM insult 'unforgivable' |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Public figures have reacted angrily to comments made by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson about Gordon Brown. | |
Speaking to journalists in Sydney about the economic crisis, the presenter reportedly called the prime minister a "one-eyed Scottish idiot". | Speaking to journalists in Sydney about the economic crisis, the presenter reportedly called the prime minister a "one-eyed Scottish idiot". |
Gordon Banks, Labour MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, said the comment was "unforgivable". | Gordon Banks, Labour MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, said the comment was "unforgivable". |
Number 10 would only say that Clarkson "is entitled to his own interpretation of the economic circumstances". | Number 10 would only say that Clarkson "is entitled to his own interpretation of the economic circumstances". |
The spokesperson declined to comment on the specific insult about Mr Brown, who lost the sight in one eye after an accident as a teenager. | The spokesperson declined to comment on the specific insult about Mr Brown, who lost the sight in one eye after an accident as a teenager. |
'Unacceptable' | |
But the Royal National Institute for Blind People called the comment was offensive. | |
"Any suggestion that equates disability with incompetence is totally unacceptable" said chief executive Lesley-Anne Alexander | |
Gordon Banks urged the BBC to force Clarkson to apologise for the remarks. | |
His colleague, Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray, joined in the criticism. | |
Mr Gray said: "Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson and speaks for itself. | |
"Most people here are proud that the prime minister is a Scot and believe him to be the right person to get the UK through this global economic crisis." | |
The BBC has yet to comment on the matter. | The BBC has yet to comment on the matter. |
'Lying' | 'Lying' |
Clarkson is in Australia to host Top Gear Live, a stage version of the hit BBC show. | |
The controversial presenter compared Mr Brown to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, shortly after Mr Rudd had addressed the country on the severity of the global financial crisis. | The controversial presenter compared Mr Brown to Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, shortly after Mr Rudd had addressed the country on the severity of the global financial crisis. |
According to The Australian newspaper, Clarkson said: "He [Rudd] genuinely looked terrified. The poor man, he's actually seen the books. | According to The Australian newspaper, Clarkson said: "He [Rudd] genuinely looked terrified. The poor man, he's actually seen the books. |
"[In the UK] we've got this one-eyed Scottish idiot. Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson Iain GrayScottish Labour leader | "[In the UK] we've got this one-eyed Scottish idiot. Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson Iain GrayScottish Labour leader |
"He keeps telling us everything's fine and he's saved the world and we know he's lying, but he's smooth at telling us." | "He keeps telling us everything's fine and he's saved the world and we know he's lying, but he's smooth at telling us." |
In November, more than 1,800 people complained to the BBC after Clarkson made a joke on Top Gear about lorry drivers killing sex workers. | In November, more than 1,800 people complained to the BBC after Clarkson made a joke on Top Gear about lorry drivers killing sex workers. |
The joke followed the conviction of forklift truck driver Steve Wright for the murders of five prostitutes in Ipswich. | The joke followed the conviction of forklift truck driver Steve Wright for the murders of five prostitutes in Ipswich. |
Some 340 people also complained to regulator Ofcom, but it later ruled the joke did not breach the broadcasting code. | Some 340 people also complained to regulator Ofcom, but it later ruled the joke did not breach the broadcasting code. |