BBC Director-General Tony Hall has confirmed Jeremy’s contract will not be renewed, after the Top Gear presenter was involved in a “fracas” with Oisin Tymon, a producer on the show.
The incident happened at a North Yorkshire hotel after a day of filming. An internal investigation into the matter concluded that Jeremy verbally abused Oisin for 20 minutes and physically assaulted him over a period of 30 seconds.
The fight is said to have happened after Jeremy found out he could not have steak and chips for dinner after that day’s filming, as the hotel was no longer serving hot food.
While Oisin did not file a formal complaint, Jeremy reported the incident himself to the BBC. He was suspended on March 10, and yesterday Lord Hall announced the BBC’s decision in an official statement.
“For me a line has been crossed. There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations,” Lord Hall said in his statement.
However, he also added that Jeremy had made an “extraordinary contribution” to the BBC.
“I have always personally been a great fan of his work and Top Gear. Jeremy is a huge talent. He may be leaving the BBC but I am sure he will continue to entertain, challenge and amuse audiences for many years to come,” he went on.
While Jeremy has been axed, the BBC has confirmed it will continue to broadcast Top Gear in 2016. Rumours are already running rife as to who will replace him, with many pointing to radio host Chris Evans as a potential candidate.
