AAL Muppet of the Week: Clarkson finally settles lawsuit

Almost a year on from punching producer Oisin Tymon in the face, Jeremy Clarkson has finally managed to clear up the mess which resulted in his exodus from both Top Gear and the BBC, by settling the lawsuit.

According to BBC News, Tymon has claimed more than £100,000 in compensation for both racial discrimination and personal injury at the hands of Clarkson, a cost which was split between the presenter and the BBC.

The entire scenario began in 2015, when, after a day of filming in Yorkshire, Clarkson got back to the hotel to find that the kitchen was closed and that there was no hot meal available to the presenters. It was at this point that Clarkson launched into what was described by the BBC as an “unprovoked verbal and physical attack” on the producer.

As a result of the ordeal, the BBC did not renew Clarkson’s contract in March 2015, leading him to move to competitors Amazon, and taking co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May, with whom he had built up a cult audience following, with him.  

In a statement released through Tymon’s lawyers, Clarkson apologised once more for his actions, stating: "I would like to say sorry, once again, to Oisin Tymon for the incident and its regrettable aftermath. I want to reiterate that none of this was in any way his fault.

“I would also like to make it clear that the abuse he has suffered since the incident is unwarranted and I am sorry too that he has had to go through that. I am pleased that this matter is now resolved. Oisin was always a creatively exciting part of Top Gear and I wish him every success with his future projects."

Tymon’s lawyer also indicated that the producer was pleased that proceedings had now closed and that he could get on with his life. The BBC concluded by stating: "We are pleased that matters have now been resolved. Oisin is a valued member of the BBC who behaved with huge integrity in dealing with the very difficult circumstances last year."

The producers for Clarkson’s new Amazon show could not be reached for comment. 

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