Jeremy Clarkson, "Top Gear" host, fired by the BBC
It's official: Jeremy Clarkson was fired by the BBC on Wednesday.
Tony Hall, BBC director general, confirmed the news in a statement: "It is with great regret that I have told Jeremy Clarkson today that the BBC will not be renewing his contract. It is not a decision I have taken lightly."
The popular host was pulled from the TV series for allegedly punching a producer and calling him nasty names for failing to provide a hot steak dinner after a day of filming.
In his statement Hall said he cannot condone what has happened on this occasion, adding, "A member of staff -- who is a completely innocent party -- took himself to Accident and Emergency after a physical altercation accompanied by sustained and prolonged verbal abuse of an extreme nature. For me a line has been crossed. There cannot be one rule for one and one rule for another dictated by either rank, or public relations and commercial considerations."
Prior to Wednesday's announcement Clarkson took to Twitter to thank his supporters:
Many many thanks to all of the people who have called for my reinstatement. I'm very touched. We shall all learn next week what will happen.
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) March 20, 2015
An estimated a $1.5 billion franchise, "Top Gear" is viewed by 350 million viewers in 170 countries every week, including BBC America.
Although Clarkson is out, "Top Gear" will live on.
"The BBC must now look to renew 'Top Gear' for 2016. This will be a big challenge and there is no point in pretending otherwise," Hall said.
CBS News' Steve Kroft profiled Clarkson, 54, and the show in a "60 Minutes" piece in 2010.