Ashley Banjo breaks silence as BGT’s BLM row sparks over 1,000 Ofcom complaints

Diversity member Ashley Banjo has said he is “overwhelmed” by fans’ support as the troupe’s Britain’s Got Talent performance garners over 1,000 complaints to broadcasting regulator Ofcom.

During the performance, Ashley said the words “Black Lives Matter.”

The rest of the group also took the knee in protest for Black lives, while Ashley also knelt on and was handcuffed by a ‘white officer’ as the other dancers mimicked taking photos.

The performance comes amid an explosion of support for the civil rights movement BLM in recent months following the death of George Floyd in the United States.

Now as some complain about the set and others praise the dance troupe, Ashley has revealed how overwhelmed he is at the support they’re receiving.

Taking to Instagram to share headlines surrounding the row of the ‘politicisation’ of the show, Ashley penned: “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.”

The dancer and choreographer then quote civil rights icon Martin Luther King and showed his love for his fans.

He wrote: “‘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…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 #wearediversity “.

An Ofcom spokesperson confirmed to Metro: “I can confirm that we have received 1,121 complaints for Britain’s Got Talent on 5 September, most of which were in relation to the Diversity performance.

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

What do you think of the debate surrounding Britain’s Got Talent? Let us know in the comments below.

Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at [email protected] or call us direct 0207 29 33033.