Ashley Banjo might have received over 15,000 complaints via Ofcom after Diversity's Black Lives Matter performance on Diversity's Black Lives Matter performance on Britain's Got Talent recently recently, but he was all smiles on the show this weekend - as he walked out on stage to Elton John's 'I'm Still Standing'.
The previous weekend on BGT, Banjo jumped back over to the performer's side of the judges table to join his Diversity dance crew for an evocative performance that reflected on the murder of George Floyd and the subsequent Black Lives Matter protests that swept the US and then the world.
The poignant piece was well received by many, but also caused a huge surge in complaints to UK TV regulator Ofcom, with thousands writing in to express their displeasure at the performance.
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Fast-forward a week and viewers were quick to point out Banjo's walk-on music, positing that it may have been a defiant reaction to the previous seven days' furore. As lovely a narrative as that would be, it's unlikely given that the episode was filmed before the Diversity performance was aired.
On the episode itself, the dancer was asked how he was enjoying being a judge.
"I loved it," he said. "I love being on this side of the desk. But you guys got me up there as well. So this is my first week where I am just going to be enjoying the panel on its own."
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It hasn't been an easy week for Banjo or the rest of the Diversity dancers after they were hounded on social media, on top of the 15,500 complaints made to Ofcom.
Talking to Kiss FM, Jordan Banjo - Ashley's younger brother - was in tears as he detailed the extent of the online trolling and bullying they'd been subjected to.
"We got bombarded with messages and articles...horrible stuff about all of us, our families...it's sad," he said.
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"It's genuinely sad. I feel anxious and worried saying something like Black Lives Matter, when that's all we want. Love and positivity."
However, the group have had plenty of support too - not least from current BGT contestants. Magician and semi-finalist Damien O'Brien is one of the names to have come out in praise of Diversity.
He told The Metro: "Diversity are amazing. Ashley is such a creative guy with what he does with the group. It was such a positive message for change and I thought it was brilliant - it was great to see them back on stage."
The group also received support from fellow judges Aleisha Dixon and Amanda Holden.
Featured Image Credit: ITVTopics: UK News