Jeremy Clarkson settles Oisin Tymon Employment Tribunal claim

It has been reported that Jeremy Clarkson and the BBC have settled a high-profile discrimination claim after an altercation between Mr Clarkson and a BBC producer in March 2015.

Mr Clarkson, who previously presented Top Gear on the BBC, allegedly struck Mr Oisin Tymon, a producer on the show, last March after a row over a lack of hot hotel food, leaving Mr Tymon with a bloody lip. Mr Oison subsequently brought legal proceedings for race discrimination in the Employment Tribunal against Mr Clarkson and the BBC, with Mr Tymon having been dropped by the BBC after the incident.

The case has now reportedly settled for in excess of £100,000, an amount to which Mr Clarkson and the BBC reportedly contributed. The exact details of the settlement are confidential between the parties.

Mr Clarkson stated after the settlement: “I would like to say sorry, once again, to Oisin Tymon for the incident and its regrettable aftermath. I want to reiterate that none of this was in any way his fault. I would also like to make it clear that the abuse he has suffered since the incident is unwarranted and I am sorry too that he has had to go through that. I am pleased that this matter is now resolved. Oisin was always a creatively exciting part of Top Gear and I wish him every success with his future projects.”

The BBC commented that they were “pleased that matters have now been resolved. Oisin has made an important contribution to the BBC in his 12 years with us, and we hope to see him continue to realise his potential in his role as a development executive.”

Mr Tymon’s lawyer commented on the settlement: “The action involving Mr Tymon has been concluded. Oisin is keen to put the matter behind him now that it has been brought to a close. Oisin greatly appreciates all of the support he has received, including from the BBC. He remains focused on the creative work he loves at the BBC.”

Chris Hadrill, a specialist employment solicitor at Redmans, commented on the news: “This high-profile discrimination case has now settled on undisclosed terms after the agreement of all parties. Cases like this demonstrate that if there are allegations of race discrimination made by a worker then the organisation should take prompt, fair, and thorough steps to investigate the complaints made and produce a fair and impartial outcome. A failure to take these steps can potentially lead to Employment Tribunal proceedings.”