Jeremy Clarkson has unleashed a furious tirade against The Standard after the newspaper ran a headline claiming the TV presenter was considering leaving Britain following his “worst year ever.”
The former Top Gear host took to Instagram to blast the report as “Utter horseshit,” slamming the publication as “click bait tw*ts” in a characteristically unfiltered response.
The Standard’s article had suggested Clarkson was contemplating relocating abroad to escape Britain’s “flatlining” economy, “stagnant” property market, and “useless” police force.
“Utter horseshit,” Clarkson wrote on Instagram alongside a screenshot of The Standard’s article.
“I never said any such thing you click bait tw*ts.”
The 64-year-old’s fury wasn’t confined to The Standard, as he turned his ire on the Oxford Mail in a separate post.
“More bollocks from what used to be called journalism. This nonsense has to stop,” he fumed.
The controversy stems from Clarkson’s latest Sunday Times column, where he discussed various countries as potential destinations for those considering emigration, including Australia, New Zealand, America, and Dubai.
However, throughout the piece, Clarkson explicitly stated he had no intention of leaving Britain, reasoning that relocating carries uncertainty about future conditions in any chosen destination.
The presenter, who has described 2025 as the “worst year ever” for his Oxfordshire farm due to severe heatwaves and drought, highlighted Dubai’s attractions including “no income tax, petrol 50p a litre” and police who “do what they’re supposed to do.
Despite outlining these benefits, Clarkson concluded his column by affirming his decision to remain in the UK.
Fan reactions on Instagram ranged from staunch support to mockery, with many backing the presenter’s frustration at misleading headlines.
“Media at it again, twisting words for clicks,” one supporter commented.
Another added: “Typical journalism these days – read one line, ignore the rest, make up a story.”
However, some users couldn’t resist poking fun at the situation, with one writing: “Bit rich coming from someone who made a career out of provocative statements.”
Clarkson’s Farm co-star Kaleb Cooper appeared to support his boss, adding to the criticism: “Oxford mail always been full of shit.”
The incident highlights Clarkson’s long-standing battle with what he perceives as sensationalist reporting, having previously addressed misleading headlines about his farm’s TB outbreak.
Known for his controversial remarks throughout his broadcasting career, Clarkson has never shied away from confrontation with the media.
His outspoken nature has landed him in hot water numerous times, most notably with his 2022 Meghan Markle column that became the most complained-about article in British press history.
The presenter’s reputation as a straight-talker has been both his trademark and his Achilles’ heel, leading to his BBC Top Gear dismissal in 2015 after a “fracas” with a producer.
Despite the controversies, or perhaps because of them, Clarkson has maintained his position as one of Britain’s most recognisable media personalities.
His current ventures include hosting Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, The Grand Tour with former Top Gear colleagues, and the hugely successful Clarkson’s Farm on Amazon Prime.
The farming series has documented his struggles with British agricultural regulations, adding authenticity to his complaints about the state of the nation.
One Instagram user observed: “Love him or hate him, at least Clarkson says what he thinks – unlike these papers that just make stuff up.”
Another commented: “The irony of clickbait articles about someone who’s made millions from being controversial.”
The incident serves as another example of how clickbait headlines and media sensationalism continue to fuel public mistrust in journalism.
In an era where engagement metrics often trump accuracy, even established publications appear willing to stretch the truth for traffic.
Clarkson’s explosive response, while crude, resonates with many who feel frustrated by misleading media coverage.
As one fan succinctly put it: “Sometimes you need someone to call out the BS – even if they do it with four-letter words.”
The presenter has yet to receive a response from either The Standard or the Oxford Mail regarding his accusations.
Meanwhile, Clarkson remains firmly planted on his Cotswolds farm, continuing to battle British weather, regulations, and now, British journalism.
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