Top Gear controversies

The British motoring-themed television programme ''Top Gear'' was often the focus of criticism. The criticism has ranged from minor viewer complaints to serious complaints where broadcasting watchdogs such as Ofcom have been involved.

The show is frequently criticised for showing disdain to the environment and for promoting dangerous driving to the public.

Clarkson's criticism

One of the programme's presenters, Jeremy Clarkson, has been critical of the BBC regarding the handling of the programme. In the February 2006 issue of ''Top Gear Magazine'', Clarkson revealed that he thought that the BBC did not take ''Top Gear'' seriously, making the length of the series far too long, and often replacing the show with live snooker coverage, despite ''Top Gear'' having considerably higher viewing figures.

In July 2006, the BBC rejected a variety of complaints regarding the criticism, claiming the producers and presenters choose the way they are covered, and that the BBC do not have any control over it. They argued that the presenters' provocative comments are "an integral part of the programme and are not intended to be taken seriously." Regarding offensive remarks traded between presenters and members of the audience, the BBC said "this is part of the appeal of the show, and we trust most viewers are familiar enough with the style and tone of the show not to take offence." The BBC pointed out that they would act if such statements and actions were carried out with any degree of seriousness or if the programme breached legal and safety requirements.

Studio move

''Top Gear'' was in negotiations with the BBC to move to Enstone in north Oxfordshire which was closer to Clarkson's home in Chipping Norton. However, the producers were unable to negotiate a deal, after their initial application was blocked due to opposition by local residents, who feared that ''Top Gear'' would create pollution and noise issues.

Accusations of homophobia

In December 2006, the BBC upheld complaints from four viewers after comments made by Jeremy Clarkson were considered to be homophobic references, had the potential to offend and should not have been broadcast. The complaints regarded comments made by Clarkson in the sixth episode of series eight, in which Clarkson agreed with an audience member who described the Daihatsu Copen as "a bit gay". He later described the vehicle as "ginger beer", taken to be rhyming slang for the term " queer". The BBC said there was "no editorial purpose" for the remarks and the "''Top Gear'' team had been reminded of the importance of avoiding such comments about sexual orientation."

In December 2009, it was reported that a gay couple had been allegedly denied tickets to see the show being filmed. The context of the situation is unclear. A BBC spokesperson said, "We do not – absolutely do not – discriminate against same sex couples... the whole implication that ''Top Gear'' is in any way homophobic is completely wrong."

The singer George Michael branded Clarkson "pig-ugly" and "homophobic" after in a review of the Jaguar XKR-S he said it "will get its tail out more readily than George Michael".

Cultural mockery

India

During the show's India special, there were multiple gags such as building a toilet in the back of a Jaguar as every visiting tourist gets diarrhoea. This led to a complaint by the Indian High Commission which criticised the show's "toilet humour".

Wales

The show received backlash when Clarkson suggested that everybody should test drive their cars in Wales because "no-one wants to live there" in the second episode of season one.

USA

The show frequently mocks American culture, cars and people on the show. During the first American road trip as part of a challenge they painted slogans on their cars such as "NASCAR sucks", "Hilary for president" and "Man love rules OK" while driving through Alabama. During a fuel stop they were confronted by "rednecks", who were offended by the slogans causing the crew and presenters to flee, concerned for their safety.

Germany

During the first episode of series seven, a news segment featuring BMW's Mini concept from the Tokyo Motor Show showcased a car that Hammond quoted as supposedly being "quintessentially British", the only added feature being an integrated tea set. Clarkson responded by mocking the car and saying that they should retaliate by building a car that was "quintessentially German". He suggested adding trafficators that displayed Hitler salutes, "a sat-nav that only goes to Poland", and "ein fanbelt that will last a thousand years", a reference to Adolf Hitler's propaganda slogan of "the thousand-year Reich". These statements gained negative attention from the German government, and led to viewers' complaints reaching the BBC Board of Governors.

In July 2006, the BBC Governors’ Programme Complaints Committee rejected the protests: "the Committee did not believe that, when looking at the audience as a whole, they would have felt that the comments were anything more than Jeremy Clarkson using outrageous behaviour to amuse his audience, and that the remarks would not have led to anyone entertaining new or different feelings or concerns about Germans or Germany".

Romania

During the opening episode of series 14, the presenters were seen taking the Aston Martin DBS Volante, Ferrari California and Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4 Spyder on a road trip to Romania. While driving through the Romanian countryside, Clarkson commented on Romania as being "''Borat'' country, with gypsies and Russian playboys", referring to the 2006 mockumentary starring Sacha Baron Cohen about the fictional journalist from Kazakhstan, which had filmed a few scenes in Romania. The film had already stirred controversy in the country, with a number of local Roma who were involved in the film attempting to sue 20th Century Fox and Cohen. Romanian newspapers claimed that the comments were "offensive" and "bad publicity for their country".

The ''Romanian Times'' also reported that Clarkson called Romania a "gypsy land". Complaints were also rife regarding Clarkson's actions to don a pork pie hat which he called a "gypsy" hat, while commenting: "I'm wearing this hat so the gypsies think I am nother gypsy" The Romanian ambassador later sent a letter to the producers of ''Top Gear'', in which he showed his appreciation for the show, highlighted the press's freedom of expression, the non-discriminatory spirit, and the fact that 89.5% of the country's population is Romanian, 6.5% is ethnic Hungarians, 2.5% are ethnic Roma and 1.5% are other ethnic groups. He also asked for the show to be re-edited for future showings to exclude the offensive material.

The '' Daily Telegraph'' was hacked by a group of Romanians, who stated, "We are sick of being mis-represented as Gypsies, and thanks to ''Top Gear'', have been publicly insulted". The group took over two pages of the website, covering them in Romanian flags and playing "Lonely Shepherd" by Gheorghe Zamfir (featured on the soundtrack from the film ''Kill Bill'').

Mexico

During the second episode of series 16, the presenters mocked the Mexican Mastretta MXT sports car on account of it being designed in Mexico. James May introduced the car as "The Tortilla", then remarked that he did not remember what it was called. Hammond then stated: "Cars reflect national characteristics ..a Mexican car's just going to be a lazy, feckless, flatulent oaf with a moustache, leaning against a fence asleep, looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat". This was followed up by James May suggesting that all Mexican food resembles " refried sick" and "sick with cheese on it", Richard Hammond remarking, "I'm sorry, but just imagine waking up and remembering you're Mexican" and Jeremy Clarkson adding, "It'd be brilliant because you could just go straight back to sleep again!" Clarkson ended the segment by suggesting that the Mexican ambassador to Britain would be too lazy to make any kind of complaint. This prompted the Mexican ambassador, Eduardo Medina Mora, to write to the BBC
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