Posted on 03/28/2014 8:12:13 AM PDT by klpt
An actress is suing the BBC for up to £1million after Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson allegedly made a racist remark during the series finale.
Indian-born Somi Guha, 36, has instructed lawyers after Clarkson used the word 'slope' - a derogatory term for people of Asian descent - in the Top Gear Burma special.
Ms Guha claims that broadcasting Clarkson's comment amounts to unlawful discrimination by a public body.
Her lawyers, Equal Justice, claim her action could cost the BBC £1 million in punitive damages under equality laws unless it apologises and takes the hit motoring show off the air.
They say she is one of a group of people who were offended by the term - and so sought legal advice from the firm, who previously worked on racism allegations surrounding reality show Celebrity Big Brother.
A BBC spokeswoman for Top Gear said the Corporation had no comment on Miss Guha's action.
In the series finale, the three hosts - Richard Hammond, James May and Jeremy Clarkson - are tasked with building a bridge over the River Kwai in Thailand.
After completion, Clarkson, 53, said: 'That is a proud moment, but there's a slope on it', as a man walked towards him on a makeshift bridge.
Co-presenter Richard Hammond, 44, replied: 'You're right, it's definitely higher on that side.'
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
“Myanmar Shave” just doesn’t quite have the same ring to it.
Unbelievable!
Jeremy Clarkson is only interested in cars and warning the USA about British crazy people like Piers Morgan.
I think this is a “slippery slope”.
Oh crap, now I’m going to get sued.
Top Gear is the only reason for watching BBC.
Fat chance of that happening, Top Gear is the BBC's cash cow and even if they had to pay the million that wouldn't even dent their profits from the show and related merchandise....
“...and takes the show off the air”
Sure the BBC is going to take the most popular show on the planet.
I have better idea why not take away her TV set.
Oh crap, now I’m going to get sued.
An asian women asked my to rub some sun tan lotion on her back, but I declined because that might lead to a "slippery slope".....
But that's just the way they are. Generally entertaining, but edgy.
I'll bet they use 'spades' while building the bridge too.
Shhhh...sue me.
The whole world has gone crazy.
Cha-Ching!!
Note: Not racist, only cash register sound. ...well, old cash register.
That was a hilarious episode. We southerners can take some good natured kidding and even laugh at ourselves and our culture occasionally without calling in th law dogs, unlike virtually every racial group in the world. Slope is a term we used all the time in Vietnam, along with zip, zipperhead, and a few others. Still waiting to be served with my subpoena.....
Was that the one where they shot up a Prius using a Ma Deuce?
BBC will pay it out of petty change and politely ask Clarkson to refrain from doing it again in the future. (Clarkson will simply use another word to irritate them next time)
“That was a hilarious episode. We southerners can take some good natured kidding”
Agreed. I LOL’d at the segment of “Jeb” shooting at a Prius too. No biggie. He hits at everyone. BTW, this was the same time that the BBC crew simultaneously were shooting the Wild West series where Brit actors were portraying American historical figures from the ole’ West.
Clarkson won't back down from this. In one episode he looked at a dark skinned guy in his studio audience and asked him, "What's your favorite car to steal?"
It's what Clarkson does.
Clarkson beats up on America but he loves us.
Says he’s waiting for a thank you for the generous gift from the king in 1776.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.