The Grand Tour

Top Gear Fracas: Jeremy Clarkson Reflects On Punching Producer On National Radio

After being asked about punching the Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon, Jeremy Clarkson was able to briefly reflect on the moment, albeit uncomfortably on national radio. Following the occurrence in 2015, which resulted in his contract with the BBC not being renewed, The Grand Tour presenter compensated Tymon and later moved to Amazon Prime Video to continue his television career.

Richard Hammond and James May followed Clarkson from Top Gear to The Grand Tour, and since then have found incredible success with their own shows. But for a moment, they were very worried about the future of their careers.

During an interview with Jeremy Clarkson on RTE Radio – a national radio broadcast in Ireland – radio presenter Brendan O’Connor brought up the assault, saying the following:

“There was an Irish connection to the reason you had to leave [Top Gear]. The producer you punched was Irish.

“I know it’s all gone through court and settlement and apology and everything. How do you reflect on that now?”

Clarkson, obviously annoyed by the question, paused briefly before discussing it: “I don’t [reflect on it].

“We don’t talk about it, I don’t talk about it, that’s that.”

“Okay,” O’Connor replied succinctly, before moving on to the Clarkson’s Farm presenter’s experiences through lockdown and the pandemic.

According to news sources, the settling came to £100,000, paid from Clarkson (and potentially the BBC) to Tymon for racial discrimination and the injury. Fortunately, Tymon didn’t press charges.

Clarkson said the following at the time, defending Tymon: “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.”

He added that Tymon was a “creatively exciting part” of Top Gear, and that he was happy the issue was resolved. “I wish him every success with his future projects,” he continued.

Related Articles

Back to top button