Ofcom complaints for Diversity’s Britain’s Got Talent performance – that featured scenes of police brutality and the Black Lives Matter protests – have reached 24,041.
The latest recorded figure is close to overtaking the most complained about TV moment of the decade, Roxanne Pallett’s infamous ‘punch-gate’ scandal on CelebrityBig Brother in 2018.
The Channel 4 reality series was hit by 25,237 complaints for airing the moment where former Emmerdale actress Roxanne wrongly accused her housemate Ryan Thomas of intentionally striking her.
The first Britain’s Got Talent semi-final has become the latest TV event to polarise viewers with thousands contacting the regulator to express their outrage that the family show had been ‘hi-jacked by a political agenda.’
Ashley Banjo leads dance troupe Diversity in a powerful retelling of some of the biggest news events of the year
Some aspects of the routine – including the moment a white officer knelt on Banjo’s neck – upset viewers (Image: ITV)
Dance troupe Diversity sparked controversy by re-enacting many important news events from the last nine months, including the death of unarmed black man George Floyd in America.
In one scene a white police officer was seen kneeling on Banjo’s neck as he lay on the ground with his hands behind his back while other dancers pretended to take photos of the incident.
Later in the performance, the dance troupe were seen taking the knee and crying out ‘I can’t breathe’ in scenes echoing the Black Lives Matter movement that has taken off this year.
Many viewers praised the inspiring scenes on social media when the talent show aired on September 5, however others slammed the family show for ‘becoming too political.’
As complaints to regulator Ofcom flooded in, ITV stood by the decision to broadcast the routine saying BGT has always promoted diversity and inclusivity.
They said: “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.”
While choreographer Banjo has also spoken out to say that those criticising the routine were in the minority and he had been inundated with far more messages of support over the last week.
However, the father-of-two said he has also been on the receiving end of some horrific racist abuse.
“That reaction shows exactly why this performance was needed… racism is very real. I knew it before and I definitely know it now.”
He said the “performance was a round-up of an extraordinary year”.
Everything from lockdown to COVID-19, to the incredible NHS to the spotlight that’s been shone on racism. Everything that happened with George Floyd in America, the protests, the riots – ultimately culminating in the idea of unity, hope, finding a cure.”
As well as receiving a barrage of Ofcom complaints, the ITV talent show also saw ratings drop by 350,00 between it’s first two semi-final shows.
The second show pulled in 4.95 million viewers after the backlash from viewers.
