Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson fired after punching a producer

Following an incident in which Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson reportedly punched producer Oisin Tymon during filming, the BBC has announced that Clarkson will not be invited to return as host after his contract expires at the end of the month.

"It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract," said the BBC's Tony Hall in a statement. "It is not a decision I have taken lightly. I have done so only after a very careful consideration of the facts and after personally meeting both Jeremy and Oisin Tymon."

The BBC's investigation revealed that Tymon was the victim of "an unprovoked verbal and physical attack" by Clarkson. The physical attack was interrupted after 30 seconds by an unspecified witness.

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"I know how popular the program is and I also know that this decision will divide opinion," said Hall. "The main facts are not disputed by those involved."