Diversity’s BLM performance on Britain’s Got Talent gets 23,308 Ofcom complaints as objections continue to rise

DIVERSITY'S performance on Britain's Got Talent has now sparked 23,308 complaints to the TV watchdog Ofcom.

Furious ITV viewers have complained in their droves after watching the moment a white police officer kneeling on Ashley Banjo in a tribute to Black Lives Matter.

Ofcom has revealed the latest figure to The Sun that has attracted controversy since the weekend.

It's sparked monumental racist abuse against the Diversity performers who won the show back in 2009.

Ashley - who is standing in for Simon Cowell on the judging panel - has told how he's been sent disgusting messages since the performance aired - but "every complaint was worth it".

The dance referenced the death of George Floyd by a police officer in the US and saw backing dancers dressed in riot gear.

The group also took the knee partway through the performance.

Ashley, who is the show's stand-in judge, has thanked his critics for proving that it was a necessary to highlight the hate.

He tweeted: ";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."

Ashley's disgusted dancer brother hit out as he shared a racist message sent in the aftermath of BGT.

It said: "If you don't like living in a white country, go live in Africa.

"I think you would genuinely feel more comfortable there.

"As would I if you did."

Posting the nasty comment sent to his brother and stand-in host Ashley, Jordan said: "And people wanted to complain about us? People wanted to complain and say there isn't an issue. Makes me sick."

Diversity performed their spectacular trademark spinning dance moves in front of backing dancers dressed as riot police with shields.

Ashley opened the piece by reciting a viral poem The Great Realisation by the singer Tomfoolery, which is about the BLM movement and police brutality.

The performance also addressed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, capitalism, and the growth of delivery services like Amazon.

ITV have confirmed to The Sun Online that they are standing by the dance and Ashley Banjo.

A spokesperson told The Sun Online: "Britain's Got Talent has always been an inclusive show, which showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms and ITV stands behind the decision to broadcast Diversity's performance on BGT.

"Ashley and the group are a great example of the talent, creativity and diversity of modern Britain and their performance was an authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020."