LONDON: British TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson said he had emailed an apology to Prince Harry and Meghan after he wrote in a national newspaper column that he hoped the Duchess of Sussex would one day be forced to parade naked through the streets.
Clarkson, who gained worldwide fame as presenter of motoring show "Top Gear", wrote in the Sun tabloid in December that he hated Meghan on a "cellular level", earning widespread condemnation from politicians, his employers, and even his own daughter.
Clarkson's opinion piece on the Duke and Duchess of Sussex became the most complained about article for Britain's press standards regulator, with more than 20,000 complaints received.
On Monday, Variety reported that Amazon Prime Video was likely to part ways with Clarkson, citing sources who said the streaming giant would not be working with him beyond seasons of “The Grand Tour” and “Clarkson’s Farm” that have already been commissioned.
Neither Amazon Prime nor a representative for Clarkson immediately responded to a request for comment.
"The language I'd used in my column was disgraceful," Clarkson said on Instagram on Monday, adding he had sent the apology on Christmas morning. "I really am sorry."
Harry and Meghan have made headlines around the world in recent weeks after the couple released a Netflix series, and later Harry's book, in which they accused the British tabloid press of misogyny and racism.
Harry told broadcaster ITV that Clarkson's comments were not only horrific and hurtful, but that they would encourage people around the world to think it was acceptable to "treat women that way".
A spokesperson for Harry and Meghan on Monday said that while there had been an apology, "what remains to be addressed is his long-standing pattern of writing articles that spread hate rhetoric, dangerous conspiracy theories, and misogyny."
"Unless each of his other pieces were also written 'in a hurry', as he states, it is clear that this is not an isolated incident shared in haste, but rather a series of articles shared in hate," the spokesperson said.
Following the widespread public backlash after his column was published, Clarkson has said previously he was "horrified to have caused so much hurt".
He said on Monday that despite an apology from the Sun newspaper and his efforts to explain himself, more than 60 British lawmakers "demanded action to be taken".
He said his employers - British broadcaster ITV and Amazon - "were incandescent".
"It's hard to be interesting and vigilant at the same time," Clarkson said in his post.
"Very soon now I shall be a grandfather so in future, maybe I'll just write about that."
Reuters
Tue Jan 17 2023

Harry and Meghan have made headlines around the world in recent weeks after the couple released a Netflix series, and later Harry's book, in which they accused the British tabloid press of misogyny and racism. - REUTERS/Filepic

Modern slavery cases in Britain reach record high
The real number of people living in modern slavery in Britain is estimated to be around 130,000, according to a human rights group.

What are Southeast Asia's scam centres, and why are they being dismantled?
Scam centres, particularly those in Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar run illegal online schemes to defraud people.

Using gender lens in drug decriminalisation efforts
Decriminalising drugs would help all, especially women, who are among the worst impacted despite being less likely to use drugs.

INSIGHT - How a key ingredient in Coca-Cola, M&M's is smuggled from war-torn Sudan
Sudan produces 80 pct of the world's gum arabic, a natural substance from acacia trees used to mix, stabilise, and thicken ingredients.

More than just the flu: Get to know pneumonia, Malaysia's leading cause of death
The surge in pneumonia-related deaths to Malaysia's ageing population, delays in seeking medical care, and low vaccination rates.

INSIGHT - Musk rallies the far right in Europe. Tesla is paying the price.
Some EV buyers avoid Tesla due to Elon Musk's views, while competition from new, affordable electric vehicles is growing.

In China, a designer rethinks lingerie for women who have had breast cancer surgery
More than 350,000 women in China are diagnosed with breast cancer annually.

Why would the US government shut down?
Congress is supposed to allocate funding to 438 government agencies before October 1, the start of the fiscal year.

What is behind South Korea medical student quota dispute
Here are some details about South Korea's medical system and the dispute.

Vietnam considers relaxing two-child policy amid declining birth rate
Vietnam proposes allowing couples to decide the number and timing of their children, and addressing regional disparities in birth rates.

Strongest ocean current will slow with melting Antartic ice sheets
The Antarctic Circumpolar Current could slow by around 20 per cent by 2050 in a high carbon emissions scenario, researchers reveal.

Malaysia’s first-ever saree-themed bowling tournament rolls in style
Beyond the competition, the event sparks a larger conversation about redefining the saree as more than just a traditional wear.

What is Elon Musk's DOGE? How much money has it saved US taxpayers?
Elon Musk does not draw a government salary and operates as a "special government employee, the White House says.

ANALYSIS - Brazil braces for more Chinese demand, higher food prices amid US trade war
China's long-term shift away from US imports strengthens Brazil's agricultural dominance.

Who could be the next Nissan CEO after Uchida?
If Makoto Uchida does exit, his replacement would become the fourth person to lead the carmaker in a little under six years.

Anemia among biggest health issue facing children in M'sia - Expert
A balanced diet is essential for children to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients for physical and mental development.

IBM Study: More companies turning to open-source AI tools to unlock ROI
Businesses have accelerated AI adoption in pursuit of faster returns and a competitive edge.

Wariness in Jerusalem as Palestinians mark first Friday in Ramadan
A limited number of older Palestinians were allowed into Jerusalem on the first Friday of the Muslim holy month.

Court orders 1MDB to pay costs of RM225,000 to Riza Shahriz and two others
1MDB withdraws its suit against Riza Shahriz for the alleged misappropriation of USD 248 million to finance movies and real estate.

Australia tells thousands to evacuate as tropical cyclone Alfred nears
Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought heavy rain, huge waves and strong winds, cutting off power, swamping beaches and shutting airports.