BBC apologises over Jeremy Clarkson ‘slope’ remark
The BBC has issued an apology following the latest public outcry over the wild cannon antics of Jeremy Clarkson, after the presenter used a derogatory term for an Asian person in one of his Top Gear shoots.
It came during a Burmese special edition of the long-running format in which Clarkson and his co-hosts were tasked with building a temporary bridge over the River Kwai, after which Clarkson was heard to say: “That is a proud moment – but there is a slope on it,” just a local man meandered across their handiwork.
Apologising for any offence caused Andy Wilman, Top Gear’s executive producer, said: “When we used the word 'slope' in the recent Top Gear Burma Special it was a light-hearted word play joke referencing both the build quality of the bridge and the local Asian man who was crossing it.
“We were not aware at the time, and it has subsequently been brought to our attention, that the word 'slope' is considered by some to be offensive and although it might not be widely recognised in the UK, we appreciate that it can be considered offensive to some here and overseas, for example in Australia and the USA.
"If we had known that at the time we would not have broadcast the word in this context and regret any offence caused.”