Former Top Gear stars Jeremy Clarkson and Andy Wilman have issued apologies after a resurfaced clip revealed the use of a highly offensive racial slur during an unaired segment from the motoring show's earlier years.
The controversial footage, which recently emerged online, shows Clarkson reciting the nursery rhyme "Eeny, meeny, miny, moe" while deliberating between two cars. During the sequence, the presenter used a racially offensive term that has long been considered unacceptable.
Behind-the-Scenes Context
The incident occurred during filming for a segment that never made it to broadcast. Sources close to the production indicate the clip originates from over a decade ago, during Clarkson and Wilman's tenure as the driving forces behind the BBC's flagship motoring programme.
Andy Wilman, who co-created the revamped Top Gear format with Clarkson, acknowledged his involvement in the segment, stating he was "deeply sorry" for the offensive language used.
Contemporary Reactions and Apologies
In response to the emerging controversy, Clarkson told The Sun: "I can only apologise for the use of that word, but I was simply quoting a rhyme I'd heard as a child."
The revelation comes at a sensitive time for broadcasters, with many historical programmes being re-evaluated through contemporary perspectives on appropriate language and representation.
Broader Implications for Broadcast Heritage
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing television archives and streaming services dealing with historical content that contains language now considered unacceptable. Many broadcasters are currently grappling with how to handle such material without erasing broadcasting history.
The BBC has faced increasing pressure to address problematic content from its archives, balancing historical preservation with contemporary standards of appropriateness.
Neither Clarkson nor Wilman currently work for the BBC, having left Top Gear in 2015 following a well-publicised incident. Both have since moved on to new projects, including the successful Amazon Prime series The Grand Tour.
