The Sun says it’s ‘sincerely sorry’ for publishing Jeremy Clarkson’s column (Picture: Brian J Ritchie/Hotsauce/REX)
The Sun newspaper has apologised for publishing Jeremy Clarkson’s hate-filled rant against Meghan Markle.
Following intense backlash to the presenter’s column, in which he says he hates the Duchess of Sussex on a ‘cellular level’, the newspaper said it is ‘sincerely sorry.’
In a statement, the newspaper shared: ‘Columnists’ opinions are their own, but as a publisher, we realise that with free expression comes responsibility.
‘We at The Sun regret the publication of this article and we are sincerely sorry.’
The apology comes after the piece became the Independent Press Standards Organisation’s (Ipso) most complained-about article.
Ipso said the piece, which was removed from The Sun’s website on Monday at Clarkson’s request, had received more than 17,500 complaints as of 9am on Tuesday – rising to 20,800 by 5pm.
Clarkson said he hates Meghan Markle on a ‘cellular level’ (Picture: Netflix/Backgrid)
Clarkson, 62, previously wrote that he despises Markle and wishes to see people ‘throw lumps of excrement’ at her.
Writing for outlet, he said he hates Prince Harry’s wife more than he does Nicola Sturgeon, the First Minister of Scotland, and the serial killer Rose West.
The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? host said that he felt ‘sorry’ for Prince Harry, who he dubbed a ‘glove puppet’, claiming that the Prince is ‘controlled by his wife.‘
The Grand Tour star labelled Prince Harry a ‘glove puppet’ (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)
Clarkson – who struggles sleeping over his one-sided vendetta – also alleged that ‘everyone who’s my age thinks the same way’.
Following widespread criticism, the former Top Gear presenter said he himself was ‘horrified’ over his ‘clumsy’ remarks.
Earlier this week, he released a statement addressing the controversy, writing: ‘Oh dear. I’ve rather put my foot in it.
Clarkson’s own daughter, Emily, publicly condemned what he wrote (Picture: David M Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Simon & Schuster UK)
‘In a column I wrote about Meghan, I made a clumsy reference to a scene in Game of Thrones and this has gone down badly with a great many people.’
He added: ‘I’m horrified to have caused so much hurt and I shall be more careful in future.’
More: Trending
However, the Clarkson’s Farm star’s own family members have voiced their disgust over what he wrote, with 28-year-old daughter Emily making it very clear where she stands.
Amongst the first to publicly condemn the accomplished broadcaster, she wrote in a social media post: ‘I want to make it very clear that I stand against everything that my dad wrote about Meghan Markle and I remain standing in support of those that are targeted with online hatred.’
Other celebrities who reacted in horror included Carol Vorderman, Dan Walker, and Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon, who stated on This Morning that Clarkson ‘needs to be muzzled’.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Jeremy Clarkson won’t be investigated further by Met Police for Meghan Markle column
The newspaper has regrets.