Britain’s Got Talent hit by over 1000 complaints following Black Lives Matter routine

Viewers were divided by the 'powerful' opening number

BGT

by Marianna Manson |
Updated on

Britain’s Got Talent is finally back on our screens and there’s been a serious shake-up this series as the show’s big boss Simon Cowell is noticeably absent from the judging panel after breaking his back.

Taking his place on the series is Diversity front man Ashley Banjo, with the dad of two leading his dance troupe in a powerful performance to open the show.

Ashley Banjo
Ashley Banjo's replacing Simon Cowell ©ITV

The routine was inspired by the mammoth Black Lives Matter movement this year, and contained a scene where Ashley was knelt on, a tribute to the death of George Floyd in May that sparked global protests.

Many viewers were left moved by the performance, with one writing, “Prime time Saturday night TV and dance group Diversity just performed a routine inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement which featured a police officer kneeling on member Ashley Banjo’s neck. Powerful. #BLM #BGT”.

Another said, “Thank you Diversity for coming to BGT and sharing such an important message,” while one more commented, “Well #Diversity were bloody phenomenal! Amazing #BGT”.

Diversity BLM
Many found it moving and powerful ©ITV

However, it’s fair to say viewers were divided, with one fuming “No longer a fan of #Diversity, I watch for entertainment not forced BLM messages disguised as a dance routine. #BGT #itv.”

“Omg BLM dance by diversity on BGT are u kidding me right now ready for smashing up my tv,” wrote another, while a third said, “Totally ruined the show for us. Turned it off. Let us just enjoy a family entertainment show without shoving BLM down our throats. Disappointed, not the right platform.”

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Matisse and his stunt dog1 of 5

Matisse and his stunt dog

Matisse and his trainer Jules O'Dwyer shot to victory in the 2015 series but it soon emerged everything wasn't as it seemed.Shortly before the final it was revealed Matisse was swapped for another dog that looked almost identical partway through the act for a spectacular tightrope stunt.The scandal was even investigated by Ofcom, with a representative saying at the time: "ITV broke rules by misleading viewers during the series finale."However, they confirmed that show bosses didn't intend to deceive viewers.

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CREDIT: Rex / Shutterstock

Ronan Parke and the anonymous blogger

Police were called back in 2011 when an anonymous blogger started rumours about 12-year-old singing contestant Ronan Parke.It was claimed he had been groomed for stardom for two years before his appearance on Britain's Got Talent by Simon Cowell and that he already had a management deal, something both Simon and Ronan denied.The blogger was cautioned by police and Ronan made it to the final but lost out to fellow singer Jai McDowall.

Bruce Forsyth3 of 5
CREDIT: Rex / Shutterstock

Bruce Forsyth was unimpressed

Showbiz legend Bruce Forsyth hit out at Britain's Got Talent, saying he thought it was too harrowing for young children to be put under such pressure during the live shows of the competition.He suggested there should be a separate series for younger contestants as it was too much of an "ordeal" for them, prompting Simon Cowell to brand Bruce "Mr Grumpy".However, Bruce later wrote in the Daily Mail: "But I really do think he should stop putting young children under the immense and possibly damaging pressure of performing on national television, not just in front of a live audience, but also before four very sharp judges."You can see that many of the adult performers find the experience traumatic, so what sort of emotional damage could it be doing to children who, for the most part, are only there because of the ambition of their parents and teachers?"

Paddy and Nico4 of 5

Paddy and Nico were already big talent show winners

Who could forget the twinkle-toed salsa-dancing granny Paddy and her younger dance partner Nico?They impressed the judging panel with their slick moves when they appeared on the show in 2014.But it soon emerged the pair had already competed in a major television talent show abroad and had won Spanish contest Tu Si Que Vales, which is very similar to Britain's Got Talent.But, undeterred, the pair remained in the competition and made it to the final, finishing in ninth place.

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Alice Fredenham was branded a fake

In series seven, singer Alice Fredenham took to the stage but was left crippled by a horrific bout of nerves.But the warbler managed to suddenly pull herself together at the last minute as she was given a last chance by the judges.The public was left annoyed when, just a week later, she appeared on The Voice with not a hint of stage-fright to be seen.

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And broadcasting watchdog Ofcom confirmed they had received over 1000 complaints after the show, saying in a statement, “We have received a total of 1,121 complaints in relation to last Saturday’s Britain’s Got Talent, most of which related to the Diversity dance segment.

Diversity BLM routine
The performance divided viewers ©ITV

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"We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate."

Ashley said of the performance, “This performance is extremely special to me and the rest of Diversity. 2020 has been an incredible moment in history for both positive and negative reasons.

“We wanted to use the platform we've been given to make our voices heard, express how the events of this year have made us feel and think about how we might look back on them in the future. We call it hindsight 2020.”

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