Top Gear Under Fire! New Team Provoke Early Criticism on Social Media
Taking over the reigns of Top Gear, the BBC's flagship motoring show, after the departure of Clarkson and co. was never going to be an easy task. Especially when you consider the media attention around Clarkson's dismissal, the new team's appointment and the show's future prospects, which have collectively served to pile even more pressure on Chris Evans as the cast and crew hit the streets to film the new series. So, with eager fans and sceptical critics alike keeping a close eye on the show's progress, it comes as no surprise that they have already encountered some judgement from the online community.
The early backlash is due to a stunt performed over the weekend by Evans' co-star Matt LeBlanc and stunt driver Ken Block, which saw them performing 'doughnuts' in the vicinity of the Cenotaph on Whitehall.
It didn't take long after images of the stunt appeared on social media for the criticism to start pouring in. Many people accused the Top Gear team of being "disrespectful" and "insensitive" for filming near the memorial, with much of the abuse targeted directly at Chris Evans for what has been labelled as "a cheap publicity stunt".
This forced Evans to release a statement on the situation, in which he apologises for any offence caused and insists that he shares the belief that the footage should not be broadcast. His bosses at Top Gear, however, have spoken up in their own defence, saying:
"The activity actually took place around 40 metres away from the Cenotaph. All agreed in advance."
Their claim runs counter to those made by Westminster City Council, who insist they had only given permission for the team to drive up the road, and that doughnuts were never discussed or permitted.
Evans and his Top Gear colleagues, however, are not without their supporters. Mixed in among the critical tweets, abuse and hatred, there are at least a few people who see no problem with what the BBC have done here. They instead accuse the world at large of being too sensitive, hypocritical or, in some cases, purely ridiculous.
So what do you think? Should the Top Gear team show some more respect? Or should their critics lighten up a little?
The early backlash is due to a stunt performed over the weekend by Evans' co-star Matt LeBlanc and stunt driver Ken Block, which saw them performing 'doughnuts' in the vicinity of the Cenotaph on Whitehall.
 |
| Sun |
You're not telling me BBC management don't know the significance of the Cenotaph. Cheap publicity stunt for failed #TopGear. Heads must roll— BanTheBBC (@BanTheBBC) 14 March 2016
#TopGear Clarkson had more respect for our troops than to pull that stunt yesterday. Only hypocrisy stopping outcry against show.— Stephen Mellor (@sgm1967) 14 March 2016
#TopGear trying to be more outrageous than Clarkson, May and Hammond. You've no chance. And likely, no viewers.— Fellatio_Horn-Blower (@Parr_Roddy) 14 March 2016
This forced Evans to release a statement on the situation, in which he apologises for any offence caused and insists that he shares the belief that the footage should not be broadcast. His bosses at Top Gear, however, have spoken up in their own defence, saying:
"The activity actually took place around 40 metres away from the Cenotaph. All agreed in advance."
Their claim runs counter to those made by Westminster City Council, who insist they had only given permission for the team to drive up the road, and that doughnuts were never discussed or permitted.
#TopGear host Chris Evans "mortified" after stunt footage filmed at Cenotaph https://t.co/TkhHZ6Sxol https://t.co/25HJ0nuJjR— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) 14 March 2016
Evans and his Top Gear colleagues, however, are not without their supporters. Mixed in among the critical tweets, abuse and hatred, there are at least a few people who see no problem with what the BBC have done here. They instead accuse the world at large of being too sensitive, hypocritical or, in some cases, purely ridiculous.
This is ridiculous. There is so much traffic going down Whitehall all the time, why is #TopGear being criticised? https://t.co/V43dbMex9q— Jenny (@jennywhojenny) 14 March 2016
Jeremy Clarkson punched a man and 1 MILLION people called for him to be reinstated. Chris Evans has merely used a functioning road.— Sarah Misandrist (@sazza_jay) 14 March 2016
This whole thing has been blown way out of proportion, no harm was done to the memorial #TopGear— Opinions (@freshthoughtnow) 14 March 2016
So what do you think? Should the Top Gear team show some more respect? Or should their critics lighten up a little?
Sam
is an aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers.
Currently working as Editor of Social Songbird, he hopes to one day drop that
'aspiring' prefix. Follow him @Songbird_Sam
Contact
us on Twitter,
on Facebook, or
leave your comments below. To find out about social media training or
management why not take a look at our website for more info: TheSMFGroup.com
Top Gear Under Fire! New Team Provoke Early Criticism on Social Media
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, March 14, 2016
Rating:
Reviewed by Unknown
on
Monday, March 14, 2016
Rating:
Unknown
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.