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Top Gear Sorry For ‘Racist’ Clarkson Comment – Daily TV Round-Up

BBC2 presenter made ‘slope’ remark in March’s Burma Special.

Race row... Clarkson embroiled in more controversy over alleged use of the 'n-word' (Credit: BBC)

The executive producer of ‘Top Gear’ has expressed regret over an “offensive” remark made by host Jeremy Clarkson, that some viewers found to be racist.

Show boss Andy Wilman issued a statement in response to a formal complaint about the popular motoring show’s Burma Special – first broadcast in March 2014 – saying an offending comment was meant as “light-hearted wordplay”.

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During the BBC2 programme, Clarkson and co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May built a bridge over the River Kwai, in Thailand.

“This is a proud moment,” Clarkson boasted as an Asian man was seen walking along the bridge, “but there’s a slope on it.”

“You’re right, it’s definitely higher on that side,” replied Hammond.

Viewers took issue with Clarkson’s use of the word “slope” – which can be seen as a derogatory term for people of Asian descent – including actress Somi Guha, who instructed lawyers to take action against the BBC.


Law firm Equal Justice claimed Clarkson’s comments contravened the Equality Act 2010, and threatened to take the complaint to broadcast regulator Ofcom for legal action.

"Casual racism in the media by established BBC stalwarts is constantly brushed aside,” read the complaint.

However, Wilman has now admitted the ‘Top Gear’ team “regret” Clarkson’s comments, explaining in a statement:

“When we used the word ‘slope’ in the recent ‘Top Gear’ Burma special it was a light-hearted wordplay joke referencing both the build quality of the bridge and the local Asian man who was crossing it.

"We were not aware at the time, and it has subsequently been brought to our attention, that the word 'slope' is considered by some to be offensive and although it might not be widely recognised in the UK, we appreciate that it can be considered offensive to some here and overseas, for example in Australia and the USA.

"If we had known that at the time we would not have broadcast the word in this context and regret any offence caused."

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It’s not the first time ‘Top Gear’ has had to apologise over apparently “racist” comments made by presenters.

Back in February 2011, the show was forced to issue a statement after Richard Hammond made a joke that Mexican cars reflected Mexican stereotypes, saying they were: "just going to be lazy, feckless, flatulent, overweight, leaning against a fence asleep looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat”.

The show then came under fire again that year when Clarkson made repeated jokes about Indian food, clothes, culture and even trains during the 2011 Christmas special.

Also in today’s press:

A TV advert for Centre Parcs holiday resorts has been banned for “irresponsibly” encouraging parents to take their children out of school during term-time. The ad, promoting midweek family breaks for £279, featured small print stating the offer “excludes school holidays”.

New BBC drama ‘Jamaica Inn’ is being investigated after mass viewer complaints about the sound quality of the show. The Cornish-set programme, which debuted on Sunday night, drew widespread negative reaction from audiences who claimed the dialogue was ‘incomprehensible’.

Comic Ricky Gervais has revealed he is considering a third series of Channel 4 comedy ‘Derek’. "It's the first time I've ever considered doing a third series of something,” explained Gervais, who wrapped up both ‘The Office’ and ‘Extras’ after two series. “I don't want to make TV for the sake of it. You have other ideas and also you don't want to outstay your welcome."