[Scarlett.]

THE BBC and truckers last night defended Top Gear star Jeremy Clarkson after nearly 200 people complained at a gag he cracked on TV.

The outspoken presenter jokingly declared that lorry drivers cared only about fuel prices and “murdering prostitutes”.

The Beeb received 188 complaints after his comments — believed to refer to Suffolk Strangler Steven Wright and Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, both former truckers.

But yesterday real-life lorry drivers said they found the joke HILARIOUS — and agreed it was in no way malicious.

One of Britain’s biggest haulage firms, the Eddie Stobart Group, threw its weight behind Clarkson.

CEO Andrew Tinkler said: “They were just having a laugh. It’s the 21st century, let’s get our sense of humour in line.”

Sun columnist Clarkson, 48, spoke out as he was filmed driving a lorry for his BBC2 programme. He quipped: “This is a hard job. I’m not just saying that to win favour with lorry drivers. It’s a hard job.

“Change gear, change gear, change gear, check mirror, murder a prostitute, change gear, change gear, murder. That’s a lot of effort in a day.”

Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom said it had been contacted by viewers.

A spokesman said: “Ofcom has received complaints regarding Top Gear. These are currently being assessed against the Broadcasting Code.”

But a BBC spokesman said: “The vast majority of Top Gear viewers have clear expectations of Jeremy Clarkson’s long-established and frequently provocative on-screen persona.

“This particular reference was used to comically exaggerate and make ridiculous an unfair urban myth about the world of lorry driving. It was not intended to cause offence.”

Trucker Nigel Folkard, 52, also backed Clarkson. Nigel, who pilots a 14-wheel big rig, said: “I found that show absolutely hilarious. There was no maliciousness in it whatsoever.

“What’s going on in this country? You can’t make a joke without people going crazy.”

The Sun

Don't forget to include a link back to the source of the story as well as stating the source - Red

[Princess]

Oh FFS it's Top Gear! It's funny,get over it.

[Scarlett.]

I know, its like the BBC viewers have suddenly decided to have an allergic reaction to all their shows!
Ofcom shouldnt take these reports seriously

[Princess]

I think they should make a proper Ofcom for actual serious things and then one for petty people. It would be so much better.

[Scarlett.]

Aye, and them watching the shows and judging themselves would help too

The Johnathan Ross scandal is laughable, it got more complaints of being offensive than listeners!

[Princess]

I know! People really do just jump on public bandwagons of outrage and complain because everyone else is doing it.

[Lauren]

Would these people rather TV had no jokes at all? Just incase they might cause offence.


God forbid what these people are like when they finally venture into the real world.

[Scarlett.]

Although it is funny to see half of the UK population behave like sheep

[Lauren]

Originally posted by Chewy
Although it is funny to see half of the UK population behave like sheep

z0mg! They want us to be offenddifised!!.... *becomes offended* yeaaah... have that ofcom!!

[Scarlett.]

lol, its amazing how many people are actually subconciously controlled by the media

[Jackie]

Very Ridiculous

[NettoSuperstar!]

Yeh the angry mob have got a taste for blood now its crazy! Sounded like a funny joke Clarkson! Nice one

[pinkmichk]

my god that is crazy people need to get lives i found it hilarious and they should know that watching top gear comes with jokes against various driving groups

[Dan_]

People watching the show should expect that sort of thing from Clarkson.

[Scarlett.]

500 complaints now according to 60 seconds news on BBC3

[Dan_]

Originally posted by Chewy
500 complaints now according to 60 seconds news on BBC3

Are we going to have a weekly ofcom complaints bandwagon?

[pinkmichk]

its the same with the brand/ross thing there was hardly any complaints to start with many of these new ones will have come from people who have got curious and youtubed or similar

[Scarlett.]

Its funny how many people have got offended, I bet 90% arent even truckers!

[LemonJam]

Ridiculous.

[Lauren]

Originally posted by Chewy
Its funny how many people have got offended, I bet 90% arent even truckers!

If I remember correctly from an article I read... the main ringleader of the complaints is like... the head of prostitute committee or something weird like that LOL.

[Indierock&roll]

why are people so sad as to complain over the most supid things?!
really annoys me
and all this russell brand and jonathan ross buisness is doing my head in people need to get over it , there hilarious!