BBC says sorry for 'Top Gear' insults

The BBC has apologised to the Mexican ambassador over remarks made on Top Gear. But it defended the show's presenters – including Richard Hammond, who branded Mexicans "lazy", "feckless" and "flatulent"– saying stereotyping was part of British humour.

Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza wrote to the BBC to complain about the "inexcusable insults", demanding the hosts, who also include James May and Jeremy Clarkson, apologise publicly. The BBC said yesterday it had written to him to say it was sorry if the show on 30 January caused offence.