Clarkson versus the world - Auto Trader UK - News and Reviews Hub


Clarkson versus the world

Clarkson versus the world - News image

13 April 2007

Car makers, minorities and entire nations – nothing is exempt from Jeremy Clarkson’s machine gun mouth.

He recently offended the Malaysian government by labelling the Perodua Kelisa one of the world’s worst cars.

Adrian Hearn looks at the Top Gear presenter’s most unfortunate victims.

Vauxhall workers
Clarkson caused a stir when he stood by a Mk1 Vauxhall Vectra saying nothing, but tapping the roof.

The reason: he had nothing interesting to say about the car. Sales figures weren’t as high as expected and some even blame the closure of Vauxhall’s Luton factory on his review.

Bruiser Rating:
 When you say nothing at all.

Environmentalists
"He is a moron who spouts ignorant and antisocial rubbish."

When Clarkson was awarded an honorary degree in engineering from Oxford Brookes University, 3,000 signed a petition against it.

When the big day came, a protester slammed a custard pie into Clarkson’s face. His reply? “Great shot.”
Another protester, Denise Lock said: “He makes a living out of offending people and while other universities are rewarding the likes of Nelson Mandela, Brookes is rolling out the carpet for a dangerous buffoon.”

Bruiser Rating:
 Global warning

Residents of Churchill
Locals in the Somerset village of Churchill thought vandals had been ripping the bark off a Horse Chestnut tree in their church car park. Then they saw Top Gear.

Testing out the strength of a Toyota Hilux, Clarkson had driven into the tree.  The BBC ended up paying £250 compensation to the Parish council.

Bruiser Rating:
 Oh yes!


Mental health charities
When Richard Hammond returned to Top Gear, Clarkson asked him if he was “a mental”, while co-host James May asked him if he needed a tissue in case he dribbled.

Headway, the brain injury association, said: “There are survivors with brain injuries who dribble following their accident and this is not something to joke about. It really was offensive and insulting to all those people living with brain injuries and their carers.” 

The BBC apologised for the comments.

Bruiser Rating: 
  Mental as anything

Caravan owners
Clarkson regularly destroys caravans on Top Gear. Last year, the Caravan Society protested outside a show at the Birmingham NEC, handing out stickers saying ‘Hate Clarkson Love Caravans’. Jezza’s response? “What have caravanners got against Kelly Clarkson?” 

Bruiser Rating:
  Caravan of love

Germany
The presenter caused outrage among diplomats when he said “a quintessentially German car should be built with sat-nav that only goes to Poland.”

He has also described the Germans as “humorless.”

Bruiser Rating: 
 World War Three

South Korea
“Jeremy can say whatever he wants about our motor vehicles, but could he stop his constant carping about Korean culinary habits.”

Hyundai’s reaction in 1998 came after Clarkson allegedly commented that the South Korean-based company's designers had “probably eaten a spaniel.”

Bruiser Rating:
 A full scale dogfight

Rover
Rover was in economic freefall for years before its collapse, but many workers at the company’s Longbridge plant blame Clarkson for the car maker’s demise.

He criticised Rover for being the “least cool badge in the business” and later said “I cannot even get teary and emotional about the demise of the company itself — though I do feel sorry for the workforce.”

Bruiser Rating:
  In the doghouse

Piers Morgan
"That talentless fool Jeremy Clarkson has been rubbishing me to the media again. Just let it go, Jeremy. Face it, you're never going to be as famous as me."

Former Mirror editor Morgan entered into a long running feud with Clarkson after he alleged the Top Gear star was having an extra-marital affair. Outraged at the accusations, Clarkson punched Morgan three times at the 2004 British Press Awards.

Bruiser Rating:
 Hack attack

The gay community
When Clarkson referred to a car on Top Gear as “gay” and “ginger beer” the BBC received a number of complaints, claiming the star’s comments were homophobic. The complaint was upheld and the show’s bosses were given a ticking off.

Writing in The Sun, Clarkson said: “I never find it touching when men cry. I just think they are gay.”

Bruiser Rating:
 Gay bar

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