The Jeremy Clarkson saga continues. The Metropolitan Police in London are now investigating death threats made against BBC director general Tony Hall in the wake of his decision to drop the Top Gear presenter after Clarkson assaulted a producer.
Hall announced the BBC’s decision not to renew Clarkson’s contract last week after an internal inquiry found that the Top Gear host had verbally and physically attacked producer Oisin Tymon after filming an episode of the show. The BBC had initially suspended Clarkson after they learned about the incident in early March. Since then, more than a million people have signed an online petition requesting that Clarkson be brought back to the popular auto show.
Other Clarkson fans have taken to social media and made abusive and even threatening comments toward the BBC and Tymon.
Now, the BBC is reporting that their own boss has received alleged death threats. Hall received the threats last Wednesday. A spokesman for the Met told the BBC: “Police in Westminster are investigating an allegation of threats to kill [Tony Hall]” and noted that the threat was made by email.
The Mail on Sunday reports that both the director general and his wife have round the clock protection from security guards at their home.
For his part, Clarkson told reporters outside his home last week that he wanted fans to lay off producer Tymon, saying, “I wish people would leave Ois alone because none of this was his fault.”
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Donald Trump Is TIME's 2024 Person of the Year
- Why We Chose Trump as Person of the Year
- Is Intermittent Fasting Good or Bad for You?
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- The 20 Best Christmas TV Episodes
- Column: If Optimism Feels Ridiculous Now, Try Hope
- The Future of Climate Action Is Trade Policy
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com