News Digest

Argentinian ambassador demands BBC apology over ‘Top Gear’ Falklands row

The Argentinian ambassador to the UK has demanded a public apology from the BBC following the row over a “Top Gear” special filmed in the South American country. The show’s crew had to leave after trouble erupted when it emerged they were using a Porsche with the registration number H982 FKL, which some suggested referred to the Falklands conflict of 1982. Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman has denied the number plate was a “stunt” and Jeremy Clarkson was “shocked” when someone pointed out the link between the number plate and the Falklands War days into filming.

Alicia Castro made a formal complaint to the BBC regarding Jeremy Clarkson’s provocative behaviour and offensive remarks towards the government and the Argentine people, following ‘Top Gear’s’ recent filming in Argentina, calling for the BBC to make a public apology.

Statement from the Argentinian embassy in the UK

Ambassador Alicia Castro met the BBC’s director of television, Danny Cohen, at New Broadcasting House in London yesterday. The complaint referred to “serious accusations” Clarkson had made against the Buenos Aires government that he said had made “political capital” out of the issue. A BBC spokeswoman said: “The BBC has received a complaint and will apply its usual processes.” She is not the first diplomat to be upset by the long-running motoring show. In 2011, the BBC had to apologise to the Mexican ambassador over comments made by Clarkson and co-hosts James May and Richard Hammond.

Furthermore, the Argentine ambassador deeply regretted Jeremy Clarkson’s entirely false accusations of alleged resentment against British citizens in Argentina.

Argentinian embassy in the UK