James May has embroiled himself in a row with fans and claimed he is “not a socialist” after sharing his thoughts on the “terrible” consequences of leaving the EU.
The 62-year-old’s initial comments were prompted by a blistering anti-Brexit rant from his friend and former co-presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
After tittering at his friend’s comment while speaking with Times Radio, May admitted: “I do occasionally have a slight weep about it.”
Reflecting on issues close to home, he explained that Brexit was a “contributor” to the reduction in television budgets and was “something we would rather not have to deal with”.
However, May added that was: “Not the biggest problem with Brexit, by a long way.”
Collecting his thoughts, the former Top Gear star declared leaving the EU was a “terrible idea, and I think a lot of people are coming round to that.”
May’s remarks drew criticism from fans on social media, with one posting a eye-roll emoji and sniping: “Oh dear, the multimillionaire has a weep about his country regaining national sovereignty.”
Responding, May questioned: “What does ‘millionaire’ have to do with it?”
“Putting personal convenience over national sovereignty and getting weepy about it whilst having a very comfortable existence is very out of touch,” The irate fan shot back.
This began a lengthy back and forth exchange between the broadcaster and the commentator.
May repeatedly claimed his financial situation had nothing to do with his remarks, prompting the fan to demand he “take the entitlement” out of his argument.
The commentator slammed: “It puts you in the same champagne socialist category as those who would prefer we had no sovereignty over a 30-minute wait at the airport.”
“And why have you failed to address the question of sovereignty? The lack of a denial or clarification tells me I’m spot on the money,” they raged.
“I’m not a socialist,” May responded curtly.
The argument gradually petered out afterwards, with May returning to his point about the difficulties experienced by film crews post-Brexit.
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This appeared to satisfy the fan who signed off with “fair enough” and the declaration: “we are still better off than Europe and a sovereign nation.” (sic)
May has also been in the news recently after calling for a “new generation’s take” on Top Gear amid fears the show would age poorly.
