Jeremy Clarkson launched a harsh attack on British advertising regulators following his latest beer ads, described as his “most expensive” and “heartfelt”.
The ad was created to promote his Doddly Squat Farm’s Hawkstone Lager, which includes a 34 British peasant choir singing a deliberate rendition of classic operas. Clarkson and his Clarkson farm co-star Kaleb Cooper joined the punch: “f *** me, fine”, then Clarkson swept a pint and signed with “Hawkstone”.
Although Clarkson claims the ad is a fierce tribute to British agriculture, regulators believe it does not meet advertising standards because of its clear language. As a result, it has been banned by television, radio and movie broadcasts.
The 65-year-old host spoke at his Diddly Squat Farm in Cotswolds, accusing regulators of stifling creativity and humor.
“As usual, it’s a cock,” Clarkson said. “I made the largest, heartfelt, and frankly, it was forbidden.
“Obviously, it’s ‘non-compliant’. I don’t know what. Common sense? If regulators don’t let people see it, then maybe the newspapers will. I’m asking every editor in the country: Will you post my banned ads?”
The rebound took place a few days after the final episode of Clarkson Farm Season 4, Prime Video, and many fans expressed disappointment at the show’s darker, more frustrating tone.
While Clarkson’s first season for the farm charmer was an attack on former top stall hosts getting involved in agriculture, the latest season focused on the attempt to open a bar in Clarkson (Farmer’s Dog) and was described by some fans as “too stressful to enjoy.”
On Reddit, viewers share their reaction to the tone shift in the series.
One fan wrote: “There’s too many seasons. It’s not Jezza doing stupid and clever fun agricultural performances at the same time.”
Another said: “There is a lack of real laughter and feel-good moments.” And a third said: “It’s more of an existential crisis than entertainment chaos.”
Despite the controversy, Hawkstone Lager is still doing well in business, Clarkson’s Followers and his high-profile Amazon series. But as the battle between brand creativity and broadcast regulations continues, Clarkson seems unlikely to calm down at the frustration he believes is from the over-view of regulators.
