Jeremy Clarkson, the 65-year-old former Top Gear and The Grand Tour presenter, has revealed that he faced backlash for naming one of his dogs “Didier Dogba,” a name inspired by the former Chelsea footballer Didier Drogba. Clarkson, a lifelong Chelsea fan, named his small black dog after Drogba, a player who is also of African descent. However, the decision to name the dog Didier Dogba sparked an unexpected controversy. Some people on social media took offense, labeling the name as “racist” because both the dog and Drogba are black.
Clarkson, who resides at his Diddly Squat Farm in Chadlington, Oxfordshire, has become known for his love of animals, which is often showcased on his popular Amazon Prime show Clarkson’s Farm. The show, which has released four seasons to date, chronicles Clarkson’s humorous and often chaotic attempts at farming. Throughout the series, he has developed close relationships with various animals, including sheep, cows, pigs, and more. Despite his love for his pets, the name of his dog Didier Dogba created a stir, with some viewers accusing him of racial insensitivity.
The backlash reportedly came after the dog’s name became public, with many voicing their opinions online. According to an ITV report, the critics took issue with the fact that both the dog and Drogba share the same skin color, and some deemed the choice to be inappropriate or racially charged. Clarkson, however, has since defended the name, expressing frustration at the unnecessary controversy.
In his latest column for The Sunday Times, Clarkson addressed the backlash and used the situation to reflect on his ongoing battles with the media and public opinion. He compared the uproar over his dog’s name to much more serious issues involving other public figures. Clarkson wrote, “Jimmy Savile and Rolf Harris and Huw Edwards were going about their business while I was being reprimanded for calling my new dog Didier Dogba.” He expressed disbelief that his naming choice had sparked such heated reactions, particularly in comparison to the scandals surrounding those figures. Clarkson went on to mention that this kind of controversy just “keeps getting worse” for him.
The TV personality also used the opportunity to discuss some of his broader issues with the media, particularly his contentious relationship with the BBC, which he often criticizes. Despite facing criticism over various incidents throughout his career, Clarkson continues to maintain his characteristic wit and defiance, often using his column to comment on societal issues and the absurdities he perceives in the world around him.
On a lighter note, Clarkson also confirmed that his much-loved series Clarkson’s Farm is set to return for a fifth series later this year. The new season will be available on Prime Video and is highly anticipated by fans who have followed Clarkson’s farming journey since the series first debuted in 2021. Clarkson wrapped filming for the upcoming series in September, and he continues to receive a great deal of attention both for his farming exploits and his outspoken personality.
While Clarkson has had his share of controversies, it seems that his unique approach to life—whether it’s his farming misadventures or his blunt remarks—continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Fans eagerly await the return of Clarkson’s Farm, with many hoping to see more of his unfiltered, often hilarious take on the world of agriculture, and perhaps, more insights into his quirky relationship with his animals.
