Menu
02/12/2011
Clarkson's Strike Comments Rack Up 21,000 Complaints
The BBC has received some 23,000 complaints over comments made by journalist and broadcaster Jeremy Clarkson- with Clarkson and the BBC now having both apologised.
The complaints, 21,331 in total, relate to the Top Gear presenter’s solution to the public sector strike. He told BBC’s The One Show that those people on strike should be “taken out and shot”.
Clarkson’s comments fuelled many angry reactions and left The One Show presenters, Matt Baker and Alex Jones, stunned and embarrassed.
However some viewers applauded Clarkson’s controversial comments and said they felt that they were obviously meant as a joke.
Prime Minister David Cameron said it was "a silly thing to say... I'm sure he didn't mean it".
Others such as Comedian Dave Gorman felt baying for Clarkson’s blood and calling for him to be sacked was extreme.
He said: "It all seemed a bit out of order to me."
"Yes, I thought it was offensive and no, I didn't find it funny... but I don't remember arriving at a place where we decided we had a right to not be offended. I don't like the sound of that place. I don't like it at all,” continued Mr Gorman.
Nonetheless trade union, Unison, called for him to be sacked however since Clarkson’s apology the Union has welcomed the apology and invited Clarkson to spend a day with a healthcare assistant.
The deputy general secretary of the UK's largest union, Karen Jennings told the BBC:
"He's recognised that he went too far in saying what he said and what we're doing now is extending our hand to him to come and work with a healthcare assistant to see just how they work and the healthcare they deliver.
"I think he would enjoy that."
(LB)
The complaints, 21,331 in total, relate to the Top Gear presenter’s solution to the public sector strike. He told BBC’s The One Show that those people on strike should be “taken out and shot”.
Clarkson’s comments fuelled many angry reactions and left The One Show presenters, Matt Baker and Alex Jones, stunned and embarrassed.
However some viewers applauded Clarkson’s controversial comments and said they felt that they were obviously meant as a joke.
Prime Minister David Cameron said it was "a silly thing to say... I'm sure he didn't mean it".
Others such as Comedian Dave Gorman felt baying for Clarkson’s blood and calling for him to be sacked was extreme.
He said: "It all seemed a bit out of order to me."
"Yes, I thought it was offensive and no, I didn't find it funny... but I don't remember arriving at a place where we decided we had a right to not be offended. I don't like the sound of that place. I don't like it at all,” continued Mr Gorman.
Nonetheless trade union, Unison, called for him to be sacked however since Clarkson’s apology the Union has welcomed the apology and invited Clarkson to spend a day with a healthcare assistant.
The deputy general secretary of the UK's largest union, Karen Jennings told the BBC:
"He's recognised that he went too far in saying what he said and what we're doing now is extending our hand to him to come and work with a healthcare assistant to see just how they work and the healthcare they deliver.
"I think he would enjoy that."
(LB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 December 2011
BBC Apologises Over Clarkson Comments
The BBC has being forced to apologise after broadcaster and journalist Jeremy Clarkson called for public service workers on strike to be "taken out and shot".
BBC Apologises Over Clarkson Comments
The BBC has being forced to apologise after broadcaster and journalist Jeremy Clarkson called for public service workers on strike to be "taken out and shot".
06 February 2009
Clarkson Apologises For Gordon Brown Jibe
Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has apologised for branding Prime Minister Gordon Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot". The 48-year-old, said: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon refection, I apologise.
Clarkson Apologises For Gordon Brown Jibe
Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson has apologised for branding Prime Minister Gordon Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot". The 48-year-old, said: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon refection, I apologise.
17 February 2010
BBC Man Held For Killing Ill Lover
Police are questioning a TV presenter after he admitted killing a former lover suffering from Aids. Ray Gosling was arrested by officers from Nottinghamshire Police this morning after making the disclosure in a BBC television documentary on Monday.
BBC Man Held For Killing Ill Lover
Police are questioning a TV presenter after he admitted killing a former lover suffering from Aids. Ray Gosling was arrested by officers from Nottinghamshire Police this morning after making the disclosure in a BBC television documentary on Monday.
11 March 2015
Jeremy Clarkson Suspended By BBC 'Following A Fracas'
The BBC has suspended Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, "following a fracas". It is understood that Clarkson was involved in an incident with a producer of the motoring programme, however no details have been released. The BBC confirmed that Clarkson has been suspended "pending an investigation" and Top Gear will not be aired on Sunday.
Jeremy Clarkson Suspended By BBC 'Following A Fracas'
The BBC has suspended Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson, "following a fracas". It is understood that Clarkson was involved in an incident with a producer of the motoring programme, however no details have been released. The BBC confirmed that Clarkson has been suspended "pending an investigation" and Top Gear will not be aired on Sunday.
20 November 2014
BBC Presenter Apologises For Rape Comments
BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Nick Conrad has made an on-air apology for remarks he made during a debate about convicted rapist Ched Evans.
BBC Presenter Apologises For Rape Comments
BBC Radio Norfolk presenter Nick Conrad has made an on-air apology for remarks he made during a debate about convicted rapist Ched Evans.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
