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Jeremy Clarkson suspended following 'fracas' with BBC producer

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Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended by the BBC, according to a statement released by the UK broadcaster. The Top Gear host, who has come under fire in the past for his frank and outspoken public comments, seems to have been involved in a serious dispute with a BBC producer.

The network wrote: "Following a fracas with a BBC producer, Jeremy Clarkson has been suspended pending an investigation. No one else has been suspended."

The statement also revealed that Top Gear will not be broadcast this Sunday, and that the BBC would not be making any further comment for the time being.

jeremy clarkson1 © Photo: Getty Images
Jeremy Clarkson has starred in Top Gear since 1988

Jeremy, 54, has not addressed his suspension publicly on Twitter, with his latest post being sent out two days ago.

The journalist, who co-presents Top Gear with Richard Hammond and James May, was said to be on a final warning following a string of accusations of racism. It is understood that Jeremy's co-hosts are also being interviewed.

According to The Independent, investigators are exploring whether workers on the show felt that Top Gear was racist, and whether a culture existed where people were afraid to speak out.

jeremy clarkson2 © Photo: Getty Images
Jeremy Clarkson's co-presenters James May and Richard Hammond have made no comment

The TV series, which is described as a "fast-paced and stunt-filled motor show" shot in adventurous locations around the world, recently received heavy criticism in October 2014. Jeremy and his fellow presenters, as well as the film crew, were chased out of Argentina by protestors who threw rocks at them.

The locals were protesting against the number plate on Jeremy's car, which apparently made reference to the Falklands War. The BBC maintained that the number plate was pure coincidence.

Top Gear was one of Jeremy's first major television roles. The writer has starred on the show since its inception in 1988.