BGT Ashley Banjo
TV

BGT: Ashley Banjo supported by Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon after backlash over performance

Diversity performed a powerful Black Lives Matter dance

BGT star Ashley Banjo has been supported by Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon after backlash over Diversity’s recent performance.

More than 10,000 people complained about the dance group’s Black Lives Matter routine, which featured on the programme last weekend.

The powerful dance recreated a white police officer kneeling on Ashley, which was in reference to the death of George Floyd in America.

Diversity
Ashley and Diversity performed on BGT to raise awareness of the Black Lives Matter movement (Credit: YouTube)

Read more: BGT: Ashley Banjo joins Diversity co-stars for ‘powerful’ Black Lives Matter performance

Mr Floyd died after white officer Derek Chauvin knelt on his neck for eight minutes.

The routine also featured backing dancers dressed in riot gear while the group also took the knee during it.

Despite many viewers praising the performance, others thought it was inappropriate on a family show.

Therefore, thousands complained to watchdog Ofcom and Ashley has since spoken out.

Ashley Banjo on BGT
The performance referenced the death of George Floyd (Credit: ITV)

What did Ashley Banjo say about the BGT complaints?

The star hit back at a post which told himself, Anthony Joshua and Lewis Hamilton to stop talking about racism.

Seemingly created by a troll, the post said: “Dear Joshua, Hamilton and Banjo and any other Black public figures.

“We the Great British Public will only support you if you entertain us and do not say anything about racism.

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Amanda Holden instagram
Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon supported Ashley and Diversity (Credit: SplashNews.com)

Ashley said: “For the people sending this: 1. You do not represent or speak for the Great British public.

“2. Silence was never and will never be an option. 3. Change is inevitable… Get used to it. #Diversity.”

Silence was never and will never be an option.

In the comments section, Amanda posted a heart emoji.

Meanwhile, Alesha wrote: “They can kiss my black ass!”

Earlier this week, Ashley hit back at “hate” messages over Diversity’s inspiring performance.

He wrote: “So much to say… But I’ll just let the performance talk. Thousands of messages of love and support – thank you.

“For the thousands of messages of hate and ignorance – thank you.

“You highlight exactly what needs to change. Sending nothing but love to you all.”

Ashley Banjo
Ashley Banjo hit back at “hate” messages (Credit: SplashNews.com)

At the time of writing, BGT has been hit by 10,267 complaints over the routine.

Read more: BGT: Ashley Banjo thanks fans for ‘overwhelming’ support after dance sparked Ofcom complaints

The performance has become the second most complained about TV moment in a decade.

Poster

What did you think of the performance? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know.


Rebecca Carter
Associate Editor (News)

Related Topics