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This article was first published 12 years ago

India complains to BBC about 'cheap, tasteless' Top Gear show

Last updated on: January 12, 2012 13:53 IST

Image: A file photo of Jeremy Clarkson with Britain's Prince Harry
Photographs: Reuters

The Indian High Commission in London has shot off a letter to BBC, complaining that the channel's star presenter Jeremy Clarkson had mocked Indian culture in a Top Gear Christmas Special.

 

In the strongly worded letter, the Indian High Commission has asked BBC to "make amends" for Clarkson's alleged offensive jokes.

 

"The programme was replete with cheap jibes, tasteless humour and lacked cultural sensitivity. This is not clearly what we expect of the BBC. I write this to convey our deep disappointment over the documentary for its content and the tone of the presentation. You are clearly in breach of the agreement that you had entered into, completely negating our constructive and proactive facilitation. We strongly protest and expect the BBC to make amends, especially to assuage the hurt sentiments of a large number of people," stated the letter.


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India complains to BBC

Image: Jeremy Clarkson

Clarkson was accused of racism after mocking Indian culture in a Top Gear Christmas Special on BBC. 

Viewers were furious after Clarkson staged a series of Carry On style digs at India's trains, toilets, clothing, food and history, The Daily Mail reported.

 

At one point, the controversial presenter ridiculed the unhygienic conditions and lack of sanitation among the poor by driving around the slums in a Jaguar fitted with a toilet.

 

A spokesman for the BBC said they have got 23 complaints about content "offensive to India" in the programme.

 

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India complains to BBC


She added, "If viewers or religious groups want to complain, they can complain to the BBC. We won't be responding through the media."

 

Clarkson was earlier involved in another controversy earlier this month.

 

Clarkson was forced to apologise after saying striking public sector workers should be shot in front of their families during an appearance on The One Show on BBC1.

 

After his latest act, many viewers, however, took straight to social networks and internet message boards to voice their objections about the show, in which the Top Gear team set out to boost British trade links with the subcontinent.

 

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Tags: BBC , Clarkson , BBC1 , India

India complains to BBC


In one scene on the programme, Jeremy Clarkson was seen stripping off his trousers in front of two Indian dignitaries to show them how to use a trouser press, the report said.

In another shocking set-piece, the Top Gear team put banners promoting British industry on trains. One read, 'British IT is good for your company', and another, 'Eat English muffins'.

But the messages turned obscene when the carriages of the trains split. Adding insult to injury, the latest programme was shown just two days after the murder of Indian student Anuj Bidve in Salford on Boxing Day, the daily said.

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