gti138
Well-Known Member
Story on news.com.au
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,21172378-10229,00.htm
Gibe has car show in a jam
AUSTRALIANS might never see Richard Hammond's return to Top Gear after one of his co-presenters asked if he was "mental", sparking a deluge of complaints.
At the start of the show broadcast on the BBC Jeremy Clarkson asked Hammond if he was mental after a 450km/h crash that threatened his life, while James May offered him a tissue in case he started dribbling.
An SBS spokeswoman said that in the past the channel had banned episodes that attracted complaints when screened overseas, but a decision on the Top Gear episode would be made closer to its broadcast in about 12 months.
"By then Richard will have completely recovered so it might not be so controversial," she said.
In Britain, a charity for people with brain injuries criticised the episode.
Headway said it had been inundated with complaints.
Headway UK chief executive Peter McCabe said: "It really was offensive and insulting to all those people living with brain injuries.
"It glamorised fast driving and gives the impression people can make a full recovery from head injuries. That is not always the case."
A BBC spokesman said: "Top Gear's audience is familiar with the irreverent tone and this was typical of the type of exchanges that take place between the presenters. It was certainly not intended to cause any offence.
"The item showing Richard's crash could not have been a clearer illustration of the dangers and excitement of speed."
The program was also criticised by Brake, Britain's national road safety charity, which said it was "shocked and appalled" by Clarkson's comment that "speed kills" while pointing at Hammond after the crash was shown.
http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/story/0,23663,21172378-10229,00.htm
Gibe has car show in a jam
AUSTRALIANS might never see Richard Hammond's return to Top Gear after one of his co-presenters asked if he was "mental", sparking a deluge of complaints.
At the start of the show broadcast on the BBC Jeremy Clarkson asked Hammond if he was mental after a 450km/h crash that threatened his life, while James May offered him a tissue in case he started dribbling.
An SBS spokeswoman said that in the past the channel had banned episodes that attracted complaints when screened overseas, but a decision on the Top Gear episode would be made closer to its broadcast in about 12 months.
"By then Richard will have completely recovered so it might not be so controversial," she said.
In Britain, a charity for people with brain injuries criticised the episode.
Headway said it had been inundated with complaints.
Headway UK chief executive Peter McCabe said: "It really was offensive and insulting to all those people living with brain injuries.
"It glamorised fast driving and gives the impression people can make a full recovery from head injuries. That is not always the case."
A BBC spokesman said: "Top Gear's audience is familiar with the irreverent tone and this was typical of the type of exchanges that take place between the presenters. It was certainly not intended to cause any offence.
"The item showing Richard's crash could not have been a clearer illustration of the dangers and excitement of speed."
The program was also criticised by Brake, Britain's national road safety charity, which said it was "shocked and appalled" by Clarkson's comment that "speed kills" while pointing at Hammond after the crash was shown.
As others have said... if you dont like it... then switch it off..
