Top Gear's biggest controversies from Jeremy Clarkson's 'fracas' to offending most of Mexico
The Top Gear brand has been tainted by a number of controversies over the years, but each one seems to cement an even more fervent following from fans
As Jeremy Clarkson’s fate is set to be decided by the BBC this week, we look back on the greatest controversies in Top Gear’s history.
2003 – Clarkson upsets parish council
Jeremy Clarkson drives a pick-up into a horse chestnut tree in a car park in Somerset to test the strength of a Toyota. The BBC apologises to the parish council.
November 2008 - Clarkson jokes about lorry drivers murdering prostitutes
Jokes made during the show about Mexicans, which include them being branded “lazy”, “feckless” and “flatulent”, spark controversy and prompt an apology from the BBC to the Mexican ambassador.
February 2012 – Clarkson compares car to people with “growths on their faces”
He is later found to have breached BBC guidelines.
May 2014 – Clarkson “used the n-word”
July 2014 – Clarkson reprimanded for using the offensive term “slope”
Top Gear is ruled to have breached broadcasting rules after Clarkson used the word “slope” to describe an Asian man.
October 2014 – Top Gear ignites diplomatic war with Argentina over 'Falklands number plates'
March 10, 2015 - Clarkson suspended after on-set “fracas”
An investigation is launched and all three remaining episodes of the series are postponed.
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