The BBC has apologized to Mexico’s ambassador for remarks on its “Top Gear” programme that described Mexicans as lazy.
The BBC wrote to Ambassador Eduardo Medina—Mora Icaza on Thursday, saying that national stereotyping is part of British humour - and that the presenters did not intend to be vindictive.
The statement says the presenters on its top—rated show make jokes about the British being terrible cooks and terrible romantics, for example, as well as cracks about a host of other nationalities.
“Top Gear” presenters Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson and James May are known for frequent and irreverent quips.
The BBC received thousands of complaints about the anti—Mexican comments, particularly from people outside Britain.
