ITV release statement following Diversity's controversial BGT performance
Their routine received over 22,000 complaints
Last updated 15th Sep 2020
Bosses at ITV have today released a statement after more than 22,000 people lodged a complaint to Ofcom following Diversity's powerful performance on Britain's Got Talent on Saturday 5th September.
The dance group, made up of the likes of Ashley Banjo, Perri Kiely, Jordan Banjo and Sam Craske, performed on the first semi-final of 2020 nearly two weeks ago, but not everybody enjoyed their routine which highlighted major events of the year such as Black Lives Matter and the tragic killing of George Floyd.
Although a number of famous faces have come out in support of the former Britain's Got Talent winners, Diversity leader Ashley Banjo has shared some of the shocking messages he's received online, along with the rest of the crew.
BGT have now released a statement on the controversial performance, with an ITV spokesperson saying on Tuesday 15th September, "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 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."
Watch Diversity's performance on Britain's Got Talent below:
Following the performance on Saturday 5th September, stand-in judge Ashley Banjo took to his social media accounts to write, 'One day we will look back and realise 2020 was the year everything changed
'In the present moment though there is still so much to say... But I will Just let this performance say it for me. For the thousands of supportive messages of Love and inclusion - Thank you 🙏🏽🖤 And for the thousands of messages of hate and ignorance I’ve received - Thank you... You highlight exactly what needs to change and why this was so important to me and the rest of @diversity_official
'Sending nothing but love and positive vibes to everyone 🙏🏽🇬🇧 Stronger together ✊🏿✊🏻✊🏽 #wearediversity #change #nextchapter'. (sic)
Check out all of the former Britain's Got Talent winners:
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Britain's Got Talent continues every Saturday night on ITV.