Jeremy Clarkson: Former Top Gear presenter apologises and settles £100,000 racial discrimination claim

Clarkson left Top Gear after punching producer Oisin Tymon

Jeremy Clarkson has issued an apology to the former Top Gear producer he punched after settling a £100,000 racial discrimination and personal injury claim (PA)

Jeremy Clarkson has apologised to the Top Gear producer he hit after settling a £100,000 racial discrimination and personal injury claim.

The BBC decided not to renew Clarkson’s Top Gear contract after he launched what it described as an “unprovoked physical assault” on Oisin Tymon over the food available following a day’s filming.

Mr Tymon drove himself to hospital after the ‘fracas’ and was left with a swollen and bleeding lip, according to the BBC’s internal investigation. He did not press charges at the time and has never spoken publicly about the incident. Mr Tymon launched the action against Clarkson and the BBC in November.

Mr Tyson’s solicitors, Slater & Gordon, said the case had been settled on Wednesday morning.

In an apology issued through the law firm, Clarkson said: “I would like to say sorry, once again, to Oisin Tymon for the incident and its regrettable aftermath.

“I want to reiterate that none of this was in any way his fault.

“I would also like to make it clear that the abuse he has suffered since the incident is unwarranted and I am sorry too that he has had to go through that.

“I am pleased that this matter is now resolved. Oisin was always a creatively exciting part of Top Gear and I wish him every success with his future projects.”

No details of the settlement were given, but it is understood to be in excess of £100,000, according to the Press Association.

A spokesperson for the BBC told The Independent: “The action involving Mr Tymon and the BBC has been resolved. Oisin is a valued member of the BBC who behaved with huge integrity in dealing with the very difficult circumstances last year – a situation in which, as Tony Hall has stated, he was completely blameless. We are pleased that matters have now been resolved. Oisin has made an important contribution to the BBC in his 12 years with us, and we hope to see him continue to realise his potential in his role as a Development Executive. We believe Oisin has a very exciting future at the BBC.”

Additional reporting by PA