U.K. media regulator Ofcom is investigating whether a recent episode of “Top Gear,” which included a controversial joke about Asian people, broke its rules.

    Host Jeremy Clarkson used a derogatory term during the “Myanmar Special,” which was broadcast on BBC Two in March.

    The show’s producer later apologized, but Ofcom is now looking into whether it breached its “content standards.”

    The news came after Clarkson was criticized for mumbling a racist word during an outtake from another episode.

    The Ofcom investigation relates to a special program in which the show’s hosts built a bridge over the River Kwai, on the border of Myanmar and Thailand.

    Surveying the structure as a local man walked across it, Clarkson remarked: “That is a proud moment. But there’s a slope on it.”

    Co-star Richard Hammond replied: “You’re right. It’s definitely higher on that side.”

    Equal Justice, a law firm specializing in discrimination cases, accused Clarkson of “clear gross misconduct” and said his comments made the BBC appear “institutionally racist.”

    After receiving complaints, “Top Gear” producer Andy Wilman said it was “a light-hearted wordplay joke referencing both the build quality of the bridge and the local Asian man who was crossing it.”

    If Ofcom decides its code has been breached “seriously, deliberately, repeatedly, or recklessly,” it can impose sanctions ranging from the broadcast of a correction or statement to a fine of up to 250,000 British pounds (US$424,400). (SD-Agencies)