Author Topic: The BBC sued over Sunday night's Top Gear (Read 2679 times)

ManaByte · « **on:** February 03, 2011, 08:08:46 PM »

Obviously this idiot never watched Top Gear before and is only suing after watching Youtube clips of the episode (which have now been taken down) because if she has then she'd know that they do this stuff ALL THE FUCKING TIME to EVERYONE. How many times have they insulted the Germans, French, and Americans?

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1353230/Top-Gear-faces-legal-action-Mexican-woman-Richard-Hammonds-jibe.html

Quote

Mexican takes legal action against Top Gear after Hammond calls her nation 'lazy, feckless and flatulent'

A Mexican has instructed lawyers to bring a test case against Top Gear after her countrymen were branded 'lazy, feckless and flatulent' on the hit show.

Iris de la Torre, a jewellery design student in London, is bringing the claim under a new equality law. Her lawyers claim it could cost the BBC £1million in damages.

They have demanded the hit BBC1 motoring show is taken off the air and an investigation made into the comments.

The lawyers, Equal Justice, have previously taken action against Channel 4 over comments about Indian actor Shilpa Shetty, made on Celebrity Big Brother.

MPs have also now demanded that the BBC apologises over the 'ignorant, derogatory and racist remarks'.

In a Commons motion, a cross-party group of six MPs said the comments were 'unacceptable and untimely'.

Ambassador Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza has called for the presenters to make a public apology for stirring 'bigoted feelings against the Mexican people'

They said: 'This level of ignorance is far below anything expected from anyone in the public eye and illustrates a serious lack of judgment by the programme-makers.'

The group wants the BBC to apologise as a 'matter of urgency' before Nick Clegg visits Mexico this month in case the row upsets diplomatic relations.

On Sunday night's show, Richard Hammond was discussing a Mexican sports car and suggested that vehicles reflect the national characteristics of the country they are from.

He added: 'Mexican cars are just going to be lazy, feckless, flatulent, leaning against a fence asleep looking at a cactus with a blanket with a hole in the middle on as a coat.’

He also referred to Mexican food as 'refried sick' while fellow presenter James May said it was 'like sick with cheese on it'.

Host Jeremy Clarkson then claimed the ambassador to the UK wouldn't complain because he would be snoring in front of the television at his embassy.

But the ambassador Eduardo Medina-Mora Icaza did make a formal complaint to the BBC and called on the presenters to make a public apology for stirring 'bigoted feelings against the Mexican people'.

The legal complaint on behalf of Miss de la Torre claims the comments were unlawful and broke rules banning discrimination of public bodies, according to the Guardian.

She told the paper: 'I was shocked at what the BBC allowed to be broadcast. I have never had a bad experience in the UK due to my nationality. I do not understand how such ignorant people hold such high-profile jobs.'

Equal Justice have written to the BBC in what could be the first step to bringing a case. The next step would be to apply to a county court.

If it goes to court, the case could be the first to be brought under the Equality Act which came into force last year.

The law bans anyone providing a 'service to the public' from doing anything that constitutes discrimination.

Lawrence Davies from Equal Justice told the Guardian: 'These remarks were probably calculated and deliberate to fuel anger and hence boost ratings.

'The presenters apparently feel that they are fighting a battle against political correctness. However, they are not permitted to use unlawful means to do so and broadcast their racist thoughts. A broadcast is a service and it is unlawful to product racist services.'

The BBC said it had not yet received the complaint and that it would be handled through the appropriate channels.

This is not the first time Top Gear, with its blend of motoring news, schoolboy humour and audacious stunts, has got into trouble.

In 2008 the show was rapped by the BBC Trust for showing Clarkson and May sipping gin and tonic at the wheel during a stunt.

Only last month Clarkson criticised censorship on television.

He said backstage at the National Television Awards that the recent Sky Sports sexism row raised the danger of people being punished for 'heresy by thought'.

He said: 'We've arrived at a stage where you actually can be busted for heresy by thought, which is a terrifying place to live.

'While we try very hard on Top Gear not to be sexist, if a man wants to think that, that's fine. You should be allowed to think what you think.'

The BBC has received more than 70 complaints about Sunday night’s episode of Top Gear.

A spokesman for the corporation said: 'We have received a letter from the Mexican ambassador and shall respond to him directly.'

Smooth Groove · « **Reply #1 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:11:50 PM »

I am only partially appalled by this blatant display of racism because they were spot on about Mexican grub.

Smooth Groove · « **Reply #2 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:25:18 PM »

Quote from: Billy Rygar on February 03, 2011, 08:19:03 PM

Real talk, I'd sue them for a million pounds

SMH at white people trying to make racism about them.

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #3 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:41:39 PM »

jesus christ what a fucking cunt. she deserves to go back to that lazy spic country of hers. Top Gear is the best show in the world. go fry me osme beans you cunt

drew · « **Reply #4 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:52:58 PM »

love the intensity

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #5 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:56:47 PM »

I don't think I was racist enough so I hope this beaner cunt gets carved up by some drum users because everyone in mexico is a stinky, overweight, dirty drug user.

Olivia Wilde Homo · « **Reply #6 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:58:06 PM »

I LOL'd at "jewellery design student."

Diunx · « **Reply #7 on:** February 03, 2011, 08:59:54 PM »

Fucking mexicans.

AdmiralViscen · « **Reply #8 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:15:56 PM »

ugh @ methodis

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #9 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:17:38 PM »

I'm obviously joking, I just hate this women for trying to tkae off the best TV show.

Olivia Wilde Homo · « **Reply #10 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:21:15 PM »

Methodis is trying to get himself banned - too bad that so many people have him on ignore. The rest just automatically skip whatever he posts as a reflex.

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #11 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:22:46 PM »

So why did you read my post

ferrarimanf355 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 03, 2011, 09:33:13 PM »

Oh cock.

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #13 on:** February 03, 2011, 10:14:51 PM »

Quote from: The Experiment on February 03, 2011, 09:21:15 PM

Methodis is trying to get himself banned

So what's he doing this time?

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #14 on:** February 03, 2011, 10:53:08 PM »

Let's get all the Mexicans of the Bore together and sue Methodis. We could probably win like $15.

Mandark · « **Reply #15 on:** February 03, 2011, 11:49:13 PM »

A frivolous lawsuit designed to get publicity.

Reported on breathlessly by a British tabloid.

Posted with complete sincerity by Manabyte.

Sounds like a winner to me!

Phoenix Dark · « **Reply #16 on:** February 03, 2011, 11:55:34 PM »

As my doctor once said, "someone's always suing somebody." Meh

Mandark · « **Reply #17 on:** February 03, 2011, 11:57:57 PM »

It's political correctness GONE MAD! </StephenFry>

ManaByte · « **Reply #18 on:** February 04, 2011, 01:44:16 AM »

Where's the Australian rage over the rest of the episode?

Mandark · « **Reply #19 on:** February 04, 2011, 01:51:37 AM »

Shut up.

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #20 on:** February 04, 2011, 02:27:05 AM »

There are people who don't like Mexican food? Really? Wtf?

T-Short · « **Reply #21 on:** February 04, 2011, 02:27:14 AM »

Good. Hope they lose

ManaByte · « **Reply #22 on:** February 04, 2011, 04:02:12 AM »

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-12361790

Quote

In a letter to Mexico's ambassador in London, the BBC said it was sorry if it had offended some people, but said jokes based on national stereotyping were part of British national humour.

Quote

In a statement, the BBC said the comments may have been "rude" and "mischievous," but there was no "vindictiveness" behind them.

"Our own comedians make jokes about the British being terrible cooks and terrible romantics, and we in turn make jokes about the Italians being disorganised and over dramatic, the French being arrogant and the Germans being over-organised," the BBC said.

It added that stereotype-based comedy was allowed within BBC guidelines in programmes where the audience knew they could expect it, as was the case with Top Gear.

"Whilst it may appear offensive to those who have not watched the programme or who are unfamiliar with its humour, the executive producer has made it clear to the ambassador that that was absolutely not the show's intention," the BBC added.

Positive Touch · « **Reply #23 on:** February 04, 2011, 08:12:52 AM »

"we're not racist! it's just our national identity! remember colonialism? L-O-L rite??"

Quote from: ManaByte on February 04, 2011, 01:44:16 AM

Where's the Australian rage over the rest of the episode?

yes because thats exactly the same. dipshit.

Herr Mafflard · « **Reply #24 on:** February 04, 2011, 09:15:03 AM »

Question is, were they making fun of Mexicans or were they making fun of stereotypes? I think the latter. A big part of the appeal of top gear is the irreverent humor - these guys are always making fun of someone or other, and yes, it can get a bit cringeworthy at times but that's part of the package.

OptimoPeach · « **Reply #25 on:** February 04, 2011, 09:34:30 AM »

Do you UKers really refer to puke as "sick"?

Positive Touch · « **Reply #26 on:** February 04, 2011, 09:45:21 AM »

Quote from: InfectedGib on February 04, 2011, 09:15:03 AM

Question is, were they making fun of Mexicans or were they making fun of stereotypes? I think the latter. A big part of the appeal of top gear is the irreverent humor - these guys are always making fun of someone or other, and yes, it can get a bit cringeworthy at times but that's part of the package.

what? they were using stereotypes - familiar, old-ass stereotypes - to make fun of mexicans. nothing particularly clever, just old-fashion racism that's supposed to be funny cuz "OMG UR NOT SUPPOSED 2 SAY THAT!!!"

Herr Mafflard · « **Reply #27 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:16:24 AM »

Quote from: OptimoPeach on February 04, 2011, 09:34:30 AM

Do you UKers really refer to puke as "sick"?

Yes. 'Puke[d]' is generally used as an (edit) verb. As a noun it just sounds so unrefined.

But, really, it's dependent on an individual's vocabulary.

Quote from: Positive Touch on February 04, 2011, 09:45:21 AM

Quote from: InfectedGib on February 04, 2011, 09:15:03 AM
Question is, were they making fun of Mexicans or were they making fun of stereotypes? I think the latter. A big part of the appeal of top gear is the irreverent humor - these guys are always making fun of someone or other, and yes, it can get a bit cringeworthy at times but that's part of the package.

what? they were using stereotypes - familiar, old-ass stereotypes - to make fun of mexicans. nothing particularly clever, just old-fashion racism that's supposed to be funny cuz "OMG UR NOT SUPPOSED 2 SAY THAT!!!"

They were playing up to their personae as goofy, irreverent old men. I don't believe for a second these guys are racist private life. As I said, this is the general tone of the program. However will some viewers take what is supposed to be - and I hate to use this word - ironic, old man banter and justify their own racism? It's inevitable. And a sad fact of life. But should that mean that scriptwriters adjust their output? That's. A different argument entirely.

Eel O'Brian · « **Reply #28 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:57:28 AM »

well, hopefully they won't make a t-shirt about it and start getting into twitter wars, or they could be in real trouble

ManaByte · « **Reply #29 on:** February 04, 2011, 11:26:26 AM »

Quote from: InfectedGib on February 04, 2011, 10:16:24 AM

They were playing up to their personae as goofy, irreverent old men. I don't believe for a second these guys are racist private life. As I said, this is the general tone of the program. However will some viewers take what is supposed to be - and I hate to use this word - ironic, old man banter and justify their own racism? It's inevitable. And a sad fact of life. But should that mean that scriptwriters adjust their output? That's. A different argument entirely.

Exactly. It's what the show has always been like. And this isn't the first time they've gotten in trouble for it. In the first episode of Season 7 Clarkson got in just as much trouble where he said they should make a car that's "quintessentially German", made Nazi salutes as the turn signals, said it should have a sat nav that only pointed to Poland, and "ein fanbelt that will last a thousand years". The reaction/complaints to that was just as bad as this one, but you didn't hear about it in the US.

http://news.scotsman.com/uk/Germans-up-in-arms-over.2686710.jp
http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/text/apps_aprjun2006_text.html

AdmiralViscen · « **Reply #30 on:** February 04, 2011, 11:36:10 AM »

fucking yawn^n

Mupepe · « **Reply #31 on:** February 04, 2011, 11:44:44 AM »

While I don't think any of their cultural commentary shit is particularly racist or lawsuit worthy, it is annoying and stupid. It's not clever or funny, it's just 5th grade faux racist humor that thinks it's edgier than it is. shut the fuck up and show me more cars.

TEEEPO · « **Reply #32 on:** February 04, 2011, 02:52:07 PM »

she saw the opportunity and took advantage of it. it was either going to be her or someone else. the blame really isn't on her...

spoiler (click to show/hide)

i still hope shes loses

[close]

Howard Alan Treesong · « **Reply #33 on:** February 04, 2011, 03:02:28 PM »

Quote from: Dr. Feelbad on February 04, 2011, 10:57:28 AM

well, hopefully they won't make a t-shirt about it and start getting into twitter wars, or they could be in real trouble

PA sure used the "keep doubling down until you lose" method of ante raising on that one

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #34 on:** February 05, 2011, 08:12:27 AM »

Meanwhile, 99.9999999999% of Mexicans continued their fajita-and-tequila induced siesta unperturbed

ManaByte · « **Reply #35 on:** February 06, 2011, 07:30:33 AM »

Clarkson's "apology" from his column in the Sun:

Quote

"Mexico doesn't have an Olympic team... because anyone who can run, jump or swim is already across the border."

BobFromPikeCreek · « **Reply #36 on:** February 06, 2011, 07:43:24 AM »

and what's the deal with airline food?

Mandark · « **Reply #37 on:** February 06, 2011, 08:17:43 AM »

It's "Oh say can you see" not "Jose can you see".

Chinner · « **Reply #38 on:** February 06, 2011, 10:03:17 AM »

Quote from: BobFromPikeCreek on February 06, 2011, 07:43:24 AM

and what's the deal with airline food?

who are these people?

Positive Touch · « **Reply #39 on:** February 06, 2011, 10:06:59 AM »

Quote from: ManaByte on February 06, 2011, 07:30:33 AM

Clarkson's "apology" from his column in the Sun:
Quote
"Mexico doesn't have an Olympic team... because anyone who can run, jump or swim is already across the border."

yep not racist at all

Diunx · « **Reply #40 on:** February 06, 2011, 10:19:22 AM »

It's not racist if it's true.

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #41 on:** February 06, 2011, 11:01:27 AM »

lmao I love clarkson

Brehvolution · « **Reply #42 on:** February 06, 2011, 03:52:35 PM »

Quote from: Mandark on February 06, 2011, 08:17:43 AM

It's "Oh say can you see" not "Jose can you see".

Great Rumbler · « **Reply #43 on:** February 06, 2011, 06:11:15 PM »

Quote from: Mandark on February 06, 2011, 08:17:43 AM

It's "Oh say can you see" not "Jose can you see".

Somebody's been watching Angels in the Outfield.

chronovore · « **Reply #44 on:** February 07, 2011, 08:21:35 AM »

Quote from: Cormacaroni on February 03, 2011, 10:53:08 PM

Let's get all the Mexicans of the Bore together and sue Methodis. We could probably win like $15.

Banding together in a plan of this magnitude smells of insider trading.

Cormacaroni · « **Reply #45 on:** February 07, 2011, 07:46:29 PM »

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #46 on:** February 07, 2011, 09:32:03 PM »

So are us Yanks going to get the Mexico episode next week?

ManaByte · « **Reply #47 on:** February 07, 2011, 09:48:44 PM »

Who knows. They're showing them out of order. Next week is the Middle East special when that should be on this week.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #48 on:** February 07, 2011, 11:16:36 PM »

Yeah, I noticed that the second episode tonight (on right now) is the season premiere.

ManaByte · « **Reply #49 on:** February 08, 2011, 02:36:47 AM »

Yea. They aired the US East Coast trip second tonight, which was the season premiere. The first episode they aired tonight originally aired AFTER the Middle East special, thus the reference to them getting in trouble for the baby Stig in the manger.

I'll watch Sunday's episode tomorrow night. Next Sunday is Simon Pegg

ManaByte · « **Reply #50 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:04:55 PM »

Actually Sunday night's episode is Simon Pegg AND Nick Frost. They did their laps yesterday.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #51 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:37:57 PM »

Quote from: ManaByte on February 08, 2011, 02:36:47 AM

Yea. They aired the US East Coast trip second tonight, which was the season premiere. The first episode they aired tonight originally aired AFTER the Middle East special, thus the reference to them getting in trouble for the baby Stig in the manger.

I'll watch Sunday's episode tomorrow night. Next Sunday is Simon Pegg

BBC America does a couple things right (uncut episodes, shortly after they air), but then still do something stupid (air them out of order)...

Now only if we could get BBC America HD in Seattle...

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #52 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:40:43 PM »

Has anyone watched Top Gera US? how is it

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #53 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:41:38 PM »

Quote from: The Worst Poster Ever on February 09, 2011, 02:40:43 PM

Has anyone watched Top Gera US? how is it

It's not as good as the original, but surprisingly watchable.

MyNameIsMethodis · « **Reply #54 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:45:06 PM »

Do they even do reviews, because I would not trust them.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #55 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:46:33 PM »

Quote from: The Worst Poster Ever on February 09, 2011, 02:45:06 PM

Do they even do reviews, because I would not trust them.

Yeah, they reviewed a few cars during the first season. I figured they wouldn't tell it like it is due to advertisers sponsoring the show, but they were honest with their thoughts on the new Honda CRZ.

ManaByte · « **Reply #56 on:** February 09, 2011, 02:54:59 PM »

Quote from: Mr. Gundam on February 09, 2011, 02:46:33 PM

Quote from: The Worst Poster Ever on February 09, 2011, 02:45:06 PM
Do they even do reviews, because I would not trust them.

Yeah, they reviewed a few cars during the first season. I figured they wouldn't tell it like it is due to advertisers sponsoring the show, but they were honest with their thoughts on the new Honda CRZ.

Except the show has just become a massive GM commercial. It's the exact reason why Leno turned down hosting it.

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/ is 100 times better than the US Top Gear.

Mr. Gundam · « **Reply #57 on:** February 09, 2011, 03:37:52 PM »

Have the earlier US pilots ever leaked? I'd be curious to see them.

ManaByte · « **Reply #58 on:** February 14, 2011, 05:44:02 PM »

Gonna watch it in about 10 min.

ManaByte · « **Reply #59 on:** February 22, 2011, 10:23:29 AM »

BBC America has censored the episode.

News:

Author Topic: The BBC sued over Sunday night's Top Gear (Read 2679 times)