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Ofcom Won't Investigate Complaints About Diversity's Britain's Got Talent Performance

Ofcom Won't Investigate Complaints About Diversity's Britain's Got Talent Performance

Around 24,500 people have complained about the routine

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Ofcom has dismissed the complaints of around 24,500 people who registered their distaste at dance troupe Diversity's performance on Britain's Got Talent.

The TV regulator has confirmed that it will not be investigating complaints about the dance performance, which referenced both the coronavirus pandemic and the killing of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis.

The media watchdog said that the complaints were based around the idea that 'themes of violence and racism were inappropriate for family viewing' or that it 'expressed support for the political organisation Black Lives Matter' or was 'racist towards white people'.

ITV

An Ofcom statement reads: "We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine, an area where freedom of expression is particularly important.

"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 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."

In a previous statement, broadcaster ITV stood behind the dance group's performance, writing: "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."

ITV

Group leader Ashley Banjo has also shared his thoughts on the backlash, as well as some fairly shocking examples of the racism that he's encountered since the performance.

He reassured his Instagram followers: "We're feeling positive, proud, happy, confident and we stand by every single decision that we made with that performance."

He continued: "Please don't worry about or feel sorry for me,

"Feel sorry for the people that endure this kind of abuse and have no voice or platform. Feel sorry for the people that have been singled out, abused and in some cases murdered because of the colour of their skin.

"The only saving grace is that this is the vast minority... But for all the people asking or wondering - yes [racism] is very real and yes it does exist."

Banjo is also filling in on BGT as a judge whilst regular judge Simon Cowell recovers from back surgery.

Featured Image Credit: ITV

Topics: Black Lives Matter, TV and Film, UK Entertainment, Weird, ITV