Clarkson Apologises For 'One-eyed' Gordon Brown Jibe
07 February 2009
Picture: Jeremy Clarkson leaving Radio 1 studios early this morning London, England - 04.12.08
Clarkson Apologises For 'One-eyed' Gordon Brown Jibe
Jeremy Clarkson has apologised for calling prime minister Gordon Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot".
The 48-year-old made the comment while promoting the stage version of his BBC2 show – Top Gear Live – in Australia.
At a press conference the Top Gear host compared Mr Brown to his Australian counterpart, prime minister Kevin Rudd.
"It's the first time I've ever seen a world leader [Mr Rudd] admit we really are in deep s**t. He looked genuinely terrified," he said.
"Poor man - he's actually seen the books. We have this one-eyed Scottish idiot who keeps telling us everything's fine and he's saved the world and we know he's lying, but he's smooth at telling us."
In a statement issued on Saturday, Clarkson said: ""In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon reflection, I apologise."
Mr Brown lost the sight in one of his eyes in a rugby accident as a teenager. He still suffers problems with his sight despite months in hospital.
Labour's Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, said Clarkson's remarks were "unforgivable".
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said: "Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson and speaks for itself.
"Most people here are proud that the prime minister is a Scot and believe him to be the right person to get the UK through this global economic crisis."
And Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Iain Smith added: "Unfortunately, this is the level of maturity and political comment that people have come to expect from Mr Clarkson."
This afternoon Clarkson released an apology for this remarks, saying: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the prime minister's physical appearanece for which, upon reflection, I apologise."
The BBC, as a result, have said that no further action will be taken against the presenter.
It is not the first time Clarkson has courted controversy. Last year he drew hundreds of complaints after joking about lorry drivers killing prostitutes.
He has also previously boasted about speeding at 186mph and said accused a Malaysian-made car of being built by leaf-wearing jungle dwellers.
The 48-year-old made the comment while promoting the stage version of his BBC2 show – Top Gear Live – in Australia.
At a press conference the Top Gear host compared Mr Brown to his Australian counterpart, prime minister Kevin Rudd.
"It's the first time I've ever seen a world leader [Mr Rudd] admit we really are in deep s**t. He looked genuinely terrified," he said.
"Poor man - he's actually seen the books. We have this one-eyed Scottish idiot who keeps telling us everything's fine and he's saved the world and we know he's lying, but he's smooth at telling us."
In a statement issued on Saturday, Clarkson said: ""In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the Prime Minister's personal appearance for which, upon reflection, I apologise."
Mr Brown lost the sight in one of his eyes in a rugby accident as a teenager. He still suffers problems with his sight despite months in hospital.
Labour's Gordon Banks, MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, said Clarkson's remarks were "unforgivable".
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray said: "Such a comment is really a reflection on Jeremy Clarkson and speaks for itself.
"Most people here are proud that the prime minister is a Scot and believe him to be the right person to get the UK through this global economic crisis."
And Liberal Democrat culture spokesman Iain Smith added: "Unfortunately, this is the level of maturity and political comment that people have come to expect from Mr Clarkson."
This afternoon Clarkson released an apology for this remarks, saying: "In the heat of the moment I made a remark about the prime minister's physical appearanece for which, upon reflection, I apologise."
The BBC, as a result, have said that no further action will be taken against the presenter.
It is not the first time Clarkson has courted controversy. Last year he drew hundreds of complaints after joking about lorry drivers killing prostitutes.
He has also previously boasted about speeding at 186mph and said accused a Malaysian-made car of being built by leaf-wearing jungle dwellers.
07/02/2009 14:50:18
Contactmusic
| Comment on this article |
More Jeremy Clarkson News
Jeremy Clarkson Related Articles
|
Love the Beast Movie Review |
A Seat Beside Leonardo DiCaprio On Space Journey Sells For Millions 
![Will The Real Psy Please Stand Up? Fraud Exposed At Cannes! [Pictures]](http://images.contactmusic.com/images/home/psy-2013-billboard-music-awards-at-the_3675620.jpg "Will The Real Psy Please Stand Up? Fraud Exposed At Cannes! [Pictures]")
![Sweet Jesus! Jennifer Aniston Strips Down In 'We're The Millers' [Trailer]](http://images.contactmusic.com/images/home/were-the-millers.jpg "Sweet Jesus! Jennifer Aniston Strips Down In 'We're The Millers' [Trailer]")
Comments