Jeremy Clarkson apologises to former ‘Top Gear’ producer

Jeremy Clarkson has issued an apology to the former Top Gear producer he punched after settling a £100,000 (€126,700) racial discrimination and personal injury claim.

Oisin Tymon launched the action against Clarkson and the BBC after the presenter gave him a bloody lip in a bust-up last March.

Clarkson reportedly flew into a rage after being told he could not order a sirloin steak after a day of filming, calling Mr Tymon a “lazy, Irish c***” during a confrontation at a hotel in North Yorkshire.

Mr Tymon’s lawyers, Slater & Gordon, revealed the case has been settled.

In an apology issued through the law firm, Clarkson said: “I would like to say sorry, once again, to Oisin Tymon for the incident and its regrettable aftermath.

“I want to reiterate that none of this was in any way his fault.

“I would also like to make it clear that the abuse he has suffered since the incident is unwarranted and I am sorry too that he has had to go through that.

“I am pleased that this matter is now resolved. Oisin was always a creatively exciting part of Top Gear and I wish him every success with his future projects.”

No details of the settlement were given, but it is understood to be in excess of £100,000. Clarkson and the BBC both contributed.

The BBC dropped Clarkson (55) from Top Gear following the outburst, and his co- presenters, James May and Richard Hammond, also left.

Clarkson has reportedly tried to apologise to Mr Tymon before, and last June he tweeted that he was “so sad and sorry it’s ended like this” after his last Top Gear show with Hammond and May was aired.

Mr Tymon's lawyer, Paul Daniels, from Slater & Gordon, said: "The action involving Mr Tymon has been concluded. Oisin is keen to put the matter behind him now that it has been brought to a close.

“Oisin greatly appreciates all of the support he has received, including from the BBC. He remains focused on the creative work he loves at the BBC.”

Clarkson, May and Hammond have signed up to launch a rival on Amazon's TV service, while Chris Evans is currently filming a new series of the BBC's Top Gear show with fellow presenters Matt LeBlanc and Eddie Jordan.

PA