Ashley Banjo has defended Diversity’s Black Lives Matter dance on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, amid thousands of complaints.
The 31-year-old dancer has taken to social media to launch a staunch defence of their routine on the ITV show, which saw the group narrate the death of George Floyd.
In response to the criticism, Ashley wrote on Instagram: "Art: The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
"My truth, my platform, my art.
"I’ve always tried to create not only to entertain but also to inspire… That will never change.
"’Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter’ – Martin Luther King Jr
"I’m so grateful and overwhelmed by all of the love and support but also by the amount of conversation this performance has thrown up [praying emoji] 2020 has been such a historical year. One day we will look back and realise it was the start of real change…
"Sending out nothing but love and positivity to everyone reading this post [love heart emoji]
"#wearediversity (sic)"
In a separate Instagram message, Ashley shared one of the posts he’s received that warns him to stop talking about race.
He captioned the post: "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 (sic)"
The Black Lives Matter-inspired routine prompted almost 3,000 Ofcom complaints in just three days, with some viewers calling the dance routine a political statement.
An Ofcom spokesperson said: "We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate."