Andrew Flintoff's Top Gear crash passenger sues BBC Studios
Racing driver Paul Rees is suing BBC Studios for up to £150,000 following a 2022 Top Gear crash that also injured presenter Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff. The BBC denies negligence, claiming Rees provided faulty instructions that led to the vehicle overturning.
Why it matters
The lawsuit brings renewed attention to safety standards in television production and the legal liabilities involved in high-risk stunt filming.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Flintoff needed extensive facial surgery following the crash
A racing driver who was in the car with Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff when he crashed while filming Top Gear in 2022 is suing BBC Studios.
Paul Rees gave the presenter expert driving advice from the passenger seat, and is now seeking up to £150,000 for personal injury, according to court documents.
It was not publicly known that anyone else was in the open-topped three-wheeled Morgan Super 3 when it overturned during filming. Flintoff suffered serious facial and rib injuries.
BBC Studios in its legal response said Rees did not complain of any injuries at the time or after the crash. The company denied it was negligent "as alleged or at all" and said Rees' "faulty instructions" led to the accident.
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