ZapGossip

Ashley Banjo has no regrets about powerful Britain’s Got Talent routine

Ashley Banjo has no regrets about Diversity’s powerful ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ performance.

The 31-year-old star – who is standing in as a judge for the current series – joined his dance troupe on stage earlier this month as they delivered a Black Lives Matter-inspired routine, which narrated the death of George Floyd, among other recent events.

Responding to regulator Ofcom clearing the performance after over 22,000 people complained, Ashley wrote on Instagram: "Creativity is always a leap of faith.

"All I did what was what felt right and I’d do it 100 times over… Sending love to everyone that stood by us."

Ofcom addressed the complaints, and confirmed they won’t be taking any action.

In a firm statement, Ofcom said: "We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine, an area where freedom of expression is particularly important.

"Diversity’s performance referred to challenging and potentially controversial subjects, and in our view, its central message was a call for social cohesion and unity.

"Any depictions of violence by the performers were highly stylised and symbolic of recent global events, and there was no explicit reference to any particular political organisation – but rather a message that the lives of black people matter.

"We will not be taking this case on to formal investigation."

Ofcom’s statement comes after ITV backed Diversity over the backlash, and insisted the performance was an "authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020".

In a statement published on their website, an ITV spokesman said: "’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."