Jeremy Clarkson Criticises BBC for Handling of Racism Row

Jeremy Clarkson has criticised the BBC for its handling of a row over the alleged use of racist language during a recording of Top Gear.

Clarkson became embroiled in a racism row following claims that he used the n-word while reciting the nursery rhyme 'Eeny, Meeny, Miny Moe' while shooting an episode of the BBC2 programme.

The contrite star issued a video apology in which he "begged for forgiveness" from the British public, stating that he was "mortified" on seeing the unaired footage.

Writing in his weekly newspaper column, the 54-year-old TV star said the BBC's plan to deal with the matter had backfired.

He wrote: "Happily the BBC had a plan. Unfortunately, it wasn't a very good one. They said, very firmly, that I should apologise. Hmmm. An apology is a good idea if you've just spilled some beer down someone's shirt or if you've accidentally trodden on someone's toe in a Tube train.

"But saying sorry for using the most racist word of them all, and hoping the story would die down as a result? That's like murdering someone and expecting to be let off if you apologise to the dead man's mum."

Clarkson added that he has received a stern warning from the BBC, but fully expects to be sacked eventually.

"I've been told by the BBC that if I make one more offensive remark, anywhere, at any time, I will be sacked. And even the Angel Gabriel would struggle to survive with that hanging over his head.

"It's inevitable that one day, someone, somewhere will say that I've offended them, and that will be that. The BBC will take my gun and badge and I'll be out of the door with a bin liner full of nothing but a few mementos."

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has defended the TV star stating it was "just typical Clarkson".

"The more controversial Jeremy Clarkson is, the more people watch his programme, and the more money the BBC makes out of marketing a show that sells globally and makes them a fortune. I would think it's just typical Clarkson, getting very, very close to the line of being offensive but perhaps not quite going over it."

Clarkson has been on the receiving end of stern condemnation from high profile figures.

Lord Herman Ouseley, chairman of the anti-racism campaign group Kick It Out, told Sky News: "The BBC has turned a blind eye to Clarkson's indiscretions in the past and is afraid to take action against someone who considers himself to be a law unto himself."

The Deputy Leader of the Labour Party Harriet Harman wrote on Twitter: "Anybody who uses the n-word in public or private in whatever context has no place in the British Broadcasting Corporation."

Singer Jamelia called for Clarkson to be sacked, describing his comments as "deeply offensive to many people" and called for the BBC to "exercise zero tolerance" in the matter.

The BBC issued a statement saying: "We have made it absolutely clear to him (Clarkson) the standards the BBC expects on-air and off."