Jeremy Clarkson Reignites Bitter Feud with BBC’s Chris Packham in Latest Online Jab

Jeremy Clarkson has once again locked horns with BBC naturalist Chris Packham, breathing new life into one of British television’s most persistent public feuds. The former Top Gear presenter and star of The Grand Tour took aim at Packham via social media, mocking his role on the BBC’s Winterwatch and questioning why the broadcaster tolerates Packham’s outspoken views while allegedly clamping down on others.

The 65-year-old Clarkson took to X (formerly Twitter) to air his grievance. “I’m confused,” he wrote. “Gary Lineker was told he couldn’t appear on the BBC if he was going to have opinions. But here I am, watching Packham on Winterwatch.” The jab was as sharp as it was sarcastic—and things only escalated from there.

When a user asked why Clarkson was even watching the show in the first place, he shot back mockingly: “I’ve learned that mandarin ducks are gay. Who knew?”

The post quickly drew reactions from Clarkson’s legion of followers, many of whom joined the pile-on. Several echoed Clarkson’s frustration with the perceived double standards at the BBC, with one commenter labeling Packham part of a “climate cult” and another branding him “the biggest grifter of climate change.” A third added, “It’s disgraceful how he uses his position,” while a fourth simply stated: “I’m not watching Winterwatch because of Packham.”

This wasn’t just a random outburst. The Clarkson-Packham saga has been brewing for years, marked by mutual disdain and sharply worded statements. Their barbs have ranged from environmental criticism to accusations of hypocrisy and bullying.

A Feud Rooted in Public Clashes

Their feud dates back to at least 2022, when Clarkson penned a widely condemned newspaper column about Meghan Markle. In response, Packham called for Clarkson to be jailed—a move that generated headlines across UK media outlets and raised eyebrows about whether Packham had crossed a line.

Then, in 2023, Packham reignited tensions by criticizing global pop icon Taylor Swift’s use of private jets during her world tour. The environmental campaigner argued that celebrities like Swift should be setting an example and reducing their carbon footprints by flying commercially.

Clarkson, ever the provocateur, responded with blistering sarcasm. He accused Packham of “bullying” Swift and ridiculed his supposed lack of understanding about what it means to be truly famous. “Packham is reasonably well known among the nation’s ramblers and bingo enthusiasts,” Clarkson scoffed. “But he has no knowledge of what it’s like to be properly famous.”

He wasn’t done. “I hope one day [Packham] releases an album that propels him to global superstardom,” Clarkson wrote. “Because then we’d see how long it’d take him to ask his agent to book a G5.”

Double Standards at the BBC?

At the heart of Clarkson’s recent criticism is a simmering frustration with what he sees as the BBC’s inconsistent enforcement of impartiality. In 2023, former footballer and BBC sportscaster Gary Lineker was temporarily suspended after making political comments on social media, sparking a national debate about the broadcaster’s neutrality guidelines.

Clarkson sees hypocrisy in how Lineker was treated versus Packham, who has been an outspoken advocate for animal welfare and climate action while continuing to host BBC programs. According to Clarkson, the BBC is selectively enforcing its policies depending on who’s doing the talking.

Fans on social media echoed these sentiments, questioning why Packham seems exempt from restrictions imposed on other high-profile figures. “Climate change zealots are exempt,” one wrote.

Beyond Packham: Clarkson’s War of Words Expands

Packham isn’t Clarkson’s only target. The outspoken presenter has a long history of butting heads with public figures. Most recently, he sparred with Jeremy Vine over road safety and cycling laws, criticizing the presenter’s advocacy for cyclists as overly dramatic and out of touch.

But it’s with Packham that Clarkson seems most personally invested. Their opposing worldviews—Clarkson’s brash, anti-woke persona versus Packham’s earnest environmental activism—make for natural conflict. In the British media landscape, it’s become something of a recurring spectacle: Clarkson throws a punch, Packham hits back, and the public grabs popcorn.

And while Clarkson’s comments are often wrapped in humor or dripping with irony, the underlying tension speaks to broader cultural divides in the UK. Clarkson embodies a certain old-school libertarianism—petrol-fueled, climate-skeptical, and unapologetically controversial. Packham, on the other hand, represents a newer wave of media figures focused on science, conservation, and climate justice.

Packham Has Yet to Respond

As of now, Packham has not publicly responded to Clarkson’s latest salvo. But if past behavior is any indication, a rebuttal could be just around the corner. Packham has never shied away from defending his record or calling out those he sees as undermining climate progress.

Regardless of what happens next, one thing is clear: the Clarkson-Packham feud is far from over. In a media world increasingly defined by polarized opinions and combative personalities, their public spat has become something of a guilty pleasure—an odd but telling reflection of Britain’s culture wars.