Ofcom Receives Almost 2,000 Complaints After Alesha Dixon Wears BLM Necklace On Britain's Got Talent

Britain's Got Talent has received almost 2,000 fresh complaints after judge Alesha Dixon wore a Black Lives Matter necklace at the weekend.

Ofcom confirmed it has received 1,901 complaints after it aired on 19 September.

A spokesperson from the broadcasting watchdog told LADbible: "We are assessing these complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate."

Instagram/Alesha Dixon

Although the nature of the complaints has not been revealed, it comes after the 41-year-old judge wore a gold necklace that carried the letters 'BLM'.

Earlier this month, Ofcom announced it would not be investigating the talent show following more than 24,000 complaints over a dance by Diversity.

The dance troupe put on an evocative performance, which referenced the killing of George Floyd in the US and the subsequent resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement.

It became the second most complained about TV moment of the decade.

The media watchdog said in a statement: "We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine, an area where freedom of expression is particularly important.

ITV

"Diversity's performance referred to challenging and potentially controversial subjects, and in our view, its central message was a call for social cohesion and unity.

"Any depictions of violence by the performers were highly stylised and symbolic of recent global events, and there was no explicit reference to any particular political organisation - but rather a message that the lives of Black people matter."

Meanwhile broadcaster ITV said it was standing by Diversity and supported the dancers.

A statement read: "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 [Banjo] 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."

Topics: TV and Film, UK Entertainment

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19