By Controversy continues over Diversity’s BGT performance
Controversy is continuing over a Britain’s Got Talent routine by dance troupe Diversity that was inspired by Black Lives Matter.
Complaints to broadcast regulator Ofcom about Saturday’s show had totalled more than 7,500 by yesterday (Wednesday) evening, it was revealed today.
“We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate,” an Ofcom spokesperson told the BBC.
Ashley Banjo led the routine, which saw him being knelt on by a police officer – a reference to George Floyd’s death in police custody – and while viewers flocked to Twitter full of praise for the group, hundreds also complained to Ofcom in the hours after.
And as the story has made headlines this week, the numbers have continued to increase.
Ashley, who is also a BGT judge, Tweeted after the show: “So much to say… But I’ll just let the performance talk. Thousands of messages of love and support – thank you. For the thousands of messages of hate and ignorance – thank you. You highlight exactly what needs to change. Sending nothing but love to you all.”
Jordan addressed the matter during his Kiss radio show – alongside co-star Perri Kiely – telling listeners: “Of course you get some critiques but normally it’s focused on the dance. But this one was different, it was really important, it was special to us.
“We are all about positivity and love and we got so much positivity and love back from this one. But we also got bombarded with messages and articles of horrible stuff about us, about our families, about how even now Diversity is not diverse enough because there’s only five white people in it.”
As Jordan’s voice cracked on air, he continued: “I can’t speak for anyone else, it’s sad, it’s sad, genuinely. I feel really anxious and worried saying something like black lives matter when that’s all we want man, love and positivity.”
Contact Gi National
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
Contact Gi Lifestyle
Email us: news@gi-media.co.uk
