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Britain’s Got Talent: Ofcom complaints soar to 24,041 after ITV backs Diversity’s BLM performance
BRITAIN's Got Talent has attracted 24,041 complaints to Ofcom after ITV said they back Diversity's Black Lives Matter performance.
Furious ITV viewers have complained in their droves after Ashley Banjo's powerful tribute to the late George Floyd, who tragically died after a white cop kneeled on his neck for over seven minutes.
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ITV told The Sun Online they are standing by the dance and BGT judge Ashley.
And Ofcom has now revealed complaints have continued to swell over the dance that took place on BGT over a week ago - with another 1000 complaints being logged today.
Diversity won BGT back in 2009 with Ashley leading the group.
He is now standing in for Simon Cowell on the judging panel and told how he's been sent disgusting messages since the performance aired - but "every complaint was worth it".
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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 group were dressed in riot gear and also took the knee partway through the performance, with Ashley saying it was a necessary to highlight the hate he's received since the show.
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."
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However, Ashley's disgusted dancer brother decided to share some of the racist messages he'd received in the aftermath of BGT.
One 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, Jordan said: "And people wanted to complain about us? People wanted to complain and say there isn't an issue. Makes me sick."
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Diversity's performance not only referenced BLM but also addressed the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, capitalism, and the growth of delivery services like Amazon.
An ITV 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."
Piers Morgan backs ITV's statement defending Diversity's 'heartfelt' Black Lives Matter dance on BGT
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