Flintoff condemns BBC for exploitation ahead of Top Gear crash

Freddie Flintoff has criticized the BBC and Top Gear producers for treating him 'like a piece of meat' in pursuit of higher ratings, revealing this in his new Disney+ documentary following his near-fatal car crash in December 2022. Flintoff claims the relentless push for more sensational stunts and exclusive content prioritized viewer numbers over presenters' safety, drawing parallels between his experiences in television and professional sport, where he also felt commodified. He suffered severe facial injuries in the crash, which led to Top Gear being put on hold indefinitely and Flintoff receiving a significant payout from the BBC. In the aftermath, Flintoff struggled with trauma and expressed regret that he did not recognize the dangers sooner. Despite returning to public life in a coaching role, he has vowed to scale back his television commitments. The documentary also highlights the ongoing personal and family challenges Flintoff faces as a result of the accident.