Richard Hammond Admits ‘Regret’ Over Top Gear Mexican Joke
March 30, 2011 by Rhiannon Jones
Filed under - Home, News
Richard Hammond has expressed regret over any ‘misunderstanding or upset’ caused by his comments about Mexicans on an episode of Top Gear , which caused outrage earlier this year.
Hammond, known as ‘The Hamster’ on the show, called Mexicans “lazy, feckless and flatulent”, along with other derogatory comments from co-presenters Jeremy Clarkson and James May.
In an interview with Metro, Hammond said he was ‘intentionally being ridiculous’, adding: “I regret any misunderstanding or upset that was caused. It was clearly intended as a joke. I was trying to portray myself as actually believing the images of Mexicans I received from Westerns were accurate.”
Amongst thousands of complaints to the BBC, the Mexican Ambassador called the remarks ‘offensive, xenophobic and humiliating’, with comedian Steve Coogan lambasting the trio in a Guardian article for their lazy stereotyping.
The BBC however defended the comments in a public statement, declaring: “We are sorry if we have offended some people, but jokes centred on national stereotyping are a part of Top Gear’s humour, and indeed a robust part of our national humour… When we do it, we are being rude, yes, and mischievous, but there is no vindictiveness behind the comments.”
Oh give it a rest already! This is old news why is it still being hammered on about… Top Gear’s content is entertaining which is why it draws in a vast audience. If you don’t like it then don’t watch it and complain about every aspect of it which concerns you while laughing at others which doesn’t.
Come on guys! This is beyond ridiculous. TG regularly makes jabs at the USA, and you don’t see our ambassador having a tizzy fit! Man up Mexico and take your licks like the rest of the world! I will offer this up, the ambassador’s actions probably did guarantee no more Mexican products geting exposure on TG! Way to go Mr. Ambassador, that’ll show ‘em!
What a lame apology. An insult is an insult and a lame excuse is a lame excuse.
You’ve got NOTHING to apologise for Richard, simple as that. Keep up the great work on the show.
There really is no need Hammond. If those beaners still can’t take a very funny (and quite accurate) joke then it’s their problem…
Wow, and somehow Americans are always pigeonholed into being thought of as ignorant and uninformed.
Andrew Lennon, if you and Hammond are real men, then go and repeat your remarks to a group of Mexicans.