Argentinian ambassador demands Top Gear apology

THE ARGENTINIAN ambassador to the UK has demanded a public apology from the BBC following the row over a Top Gear special filmed in the South American country.

The Top Gear presenters and crew were forced to flee the country after the trouble erupted. Picture: PA

The show’s crew had to leave the country after trouble erupted when it emerged they were using a Porsche with the registration number H982 FKL, which some people suggested could refer to the Falklands conflict of 1982.

Top Gear executive producer Andy Wilman has denied the number plate was a “stunt” and Jeremy Clarkson was “shocked” when someone pointed out the link between the number plate and the Falklands War days into filming.

A statement from the embassy said: “Argentine ambassador to the UK Alicia Castro made a formal complaint to the BBC regarding Jeremy Clarkson’s provocative behaviour and offensive remarks towards the government and the Argentine people, following Top Gear’s recent filming in Argentina, calling for the BBC to make a public apology.”

She met the BBC’s director of television, Danny Cohen, at New Broadcasting House in central London yesterday.

• Clarkson ‘exaggerated’ Top Gear number plate tale

The complaint referred to “serious accusations” Clarkson had made against the Buenos Aires government which he said had made “political capital” out of the issue.

The embassy statement went on: “Furthermore, the Argentine ambassador deeply regretted Jeremy Clarkson’s entirely false accusations of alleged resentment against British citizens in Argentina.”

A BBC spokeswoman said: “The BBC has received a complaint and will apply its usual processes.”