Petition to reinstate Jeremy Clarkson gets 300,000 signatures
The Top Gear host was suspended yesterday
A petition calling for the BBC to reinstate the suspended Jeremy Clarkson has attracted over 300,000 signatures.
The outspoken and controversial Top Gear host was suspended by the BBC yesterday (10th March) following an alleged bust-up with a producer behind the scenes.
The BBC issued a brief statement saying: "Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation.
"No one else has been suspended. Top Gear will not be broadcast this Sunday. The BBC will be making no further comment at this time."
According to various news sources, Clarkson is alleged to have punched the producer last week. It was reported to the BBC on Monday and they suspended him yesterday.
Although public opinion on Clarkson is divided, his legions of fans have made their voices heard by signing the petition set up by political blogger Guido Fawkes urging the BBC to reinstate him.
Guido writes on his change.org petition: “We the undersigned petition the BBC to reinstate Jeremy Clarkson. Freedom to fracas. #BringBackClarkson.”
At the time of writing, the petition has 318,886 signatures.
As well as suspending Clarkson, this Sunday night’s episode of Top Gear has also been cancelled by the broadcaster.
Last night Clarkson took to Twitter to joke with his co-presenter James May about what TV show the BBC could air instead.
Clarkson then mocked an interview with Ed Miliband’s wife Justine about her husband’s potential to become Prime Minister, writing: "Sorry Ed. It seems I knocked your 'I'm a human' piece down the news agenda."
His daughter Em Clarkson even made light of the situation tweeting: “Oh God, BBC please take him back... He's started cooking...”
Of course, it’s not the first time Jeremy Clarkson has been involved in controversies.
In May 2014 video footage emerged appearing to show Clarkson mouthing a racist term while singing Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe. He later “begged forgiveness” for the incident.
In 2012 also compared the design of a camper van to people with facial disfigurements and described an Indian car fitted with a toilet in its boot is as "perfect for India because everyone who comes here gets the trots."
In 2008 a Top Gear episode drew complaints when Clarkson made a joke about lorry drivers killing prostitutes.