English broadcaster and journalist Jeremy Clarkson has been dropped from Top Gear, with the BBC's director general announcing that his contract would not be renewed after an unprovoked physical attack on a producer of the show.
BBC's director general Tony Hall revealed that he had not taken this decision lightly and recognised it would divide opinion, but added that a line had been crossed and he could not condone what happened on this occasion.
Clarkson was suspended on 10 March, following what was termed as a fracas with Top Gear producer Oisin Tymon following the row, which took place in a Yorkshire hotel, and was said to have occurred because no hot food was provided following a day's filming, the BBC reported.
Following an internal investigation, which began last week and was led by director of BBC Scotland Ken MacQuarrie, it was found that Tymon took himself to hospital after he was subject to an unprovoked physical and verbal attack.
MacQuarrie noted that during the physical attack Tymon was struck, resulting in swelling and bleeding to his lip, adding that it lasted around 30 seconds and was halted by the intervention of a witness.
Tymon, who believed he had lost his job, stated that the verbal abuse was sustained over a longer period and contained the strongest expletives and threats to sack.
Tymon did not file a formal complaint and it is understood Clarkson reported himself to BBC bosses following the incident, following which the BBC's director of television, Danny Cohen, felt that he had no choice but to suspend the presenter pending an investigation.
The decision caused an outpouring of support from Top Gear fans, with more than a million people signing an online petition to reinstate him.
However, announcing his decision, Hall said that Clarkson's dismissal was unavoidable. He said that for him a line has been crossed, adding that there cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations.
However, Hall added that this decision should in no way detract from the extraordinary contribution that Clarkson has made to the BBC, adding that he has always personally been a great fan of his work and Top Gear.
In a statement, Tymon thanked the BBC for a thorough and swift investigation into this very regrettable incident, stating that he has worked on Top Gear for almost a decade, a programme that he loves.
Tymon further stated that over that time he and Clarkson had a positive and successful working relationship, making some landmark projects together. He added that Clarkson is a unique talent and he is well aware that many would be sorry his involvement in the show should end in this way.
