Breaking: BBC Drops ‘Top Gear’ Host Jeremy Clarkson

Mar 25, 2015 10:12 AM EDT | Matt Mercuro

Jeremy Clarkson's contract as host of the popular TV show "Top Gear" won't be renewed, according to BBC News.

An internal investigation into a "fracas" found that Clarkson verbally abused show producer Oisin Tymon for more than 20 minutes before physically assaulting him.

The supposed altercation likely took place at a hotel in North Yorkshire after a day of filming.

Clarkson, 54, was reportedly upset that the hotel's kitchen was closed for hot food, The Telegraph reported earlier this month.

The BBC announced on March 10 that Clarkson had been suspended pending an "internal investigation" and on March 23 they announced that four live "Top Gear" shows have been rescheduled for a later date.

Clarkson has been the host of the popular TV show since 2002, though he was given his "final warning" last May after using a racist word during filming. He's also been arrested for drunk driving, and once referred to a Ferrari as "special needs" and a "simpleton" in a review.

It is unclear if Clarkson's co-hosts, James May and Richard Hammond, will continue with the show since their contracts are set to expire soon, according to Variety.

A petition appeared online shortly after the "fracas" was announced in support of Clarkson by political blogger Guido Fawkes. The petition to have him be reinstated has been signed by more than one million people, whereas a similar petition to have him fired has fewer than 10,000 signatures.

Guinness World Records has recognized Top Gear as the most-watched factual show of all time, with episodes broadcast in more than 200 countries and territories, according to CNN.

The show brought in more than $225 million in revenue last year for BBC Worldwide.

Do you think the BBC made the right decision? Did Clarkson deserve another chance? Let us know below.

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