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Clarkson apologises for PM remark | Clarkson apologises for PM remark |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has said he is sorry for calling Gordon Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot". | Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has said he is sorry for calling Gordon Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot". |
He said: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon reflection, I apologise." | He said: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon reflection, I apologise." |
The broadcaster made the comments to journalists in Sydney when he was speaking about the economic crisis. | The broadcaster made the comments to journalists in Sydney when he was speaking about the economic crisis. |
The BBC said it noted Clarkson's apology for the comments and would be taking no further action. | The BBC said it noted Clarkson's apology for the comments and would be taking no further action. |
Public figures have reacted angrily to the presenter's remarks, with Labour MP Gordon Banks saying what Clarkson said was "unforgivable". | Public figures have reacted angrily to the presenter's remarks, with Labour MP Gordon Banks saying what Clarkson said 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' | 'Unacceptable' |
But the Royal National Institute for Blind People called the comment offensive. | But the Royal National Institute for Blind People called the comment offensive. |
"Any suggestion that equates disability with incompetence is totally unacceptable" said chief executive Lesley-Anne Alexander | "Any suggestion that equates disability with incompetence is totally unacceptable" said chief executive Lesley-Anne Alexander |
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray joined in the criticism. | Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray joined in the criticism. |
"Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson and speaks for itself," he said. | "Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson and speaks for itself," he said. |
"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." | "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." |
Clarkson is in Australia to host Top Gear Live, a stage version of the hit BBC show. Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson Iain GrayScottish Labour leader | Clarkson is in Australia to host Top Gear Live, a stage version of the hit BBC show. Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson Iain GrayScottish Labour leader |
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. |
Clarkson said: "He [Rudd] genuinely looked terrified. The poor man, he's actually seen the books. | 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. | "[In the UK] we've got this one-eyed Scottish idiot. |
"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." |
Mickey-taking | Mickey-taking |
It had also been reported that Clarkson had called Australians 'apes'. However the BBC press office has strongly denied that this was the case. | It had also been reported that Clarkson had called Australians 'apes'. However the BBC press office has strongly denied that this was the case. |
They said that the presenter was referring to some of the UK audience members, in keeping with the style of the programme. | |
"Top Gear is known for its tone - the presenters take the mickey out of each other, and the Top Gear studio audience aren't immune from that either." | "Top Gear is known for its tone - the presenters take the mickey out of each other, and the Top Gear studio audience aren't immune from that either." |
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. |