Ofcom respond to Diversity complaints
British TV watchdog, Ofcom have said they won't be investigating Diversity's Britain's Got Talent performance.
The dance group have been facing backlash for their Black Lives Matter inspired routine.
Ofcom have received more than 20,000 complaints to date.
Despite it becoming the second-most complained about TV moment of the decade, Ofcom will not be investigating.
In a statement, they said they've, 'carefully considered,' the backlash in, 'an area where freedom of expression is particularly important.'
And in their view, the 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.'
They pointed out that 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 onto formal investigation,' the statement concluded.
Ashley Banjo reacts
Britain's Got Talent judge and group leader, Ashley Banjo reacted to the statement on Instagram.
He said, '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'
ITV have shown their full support for the group, and even commented, '❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️'
In a statement, the channel pointed out that the competition show has always been inclusive.
'[BGT] showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms.'
They said, '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.'
They described the performance as, 'an authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020.'
Diversity have been subject to racial abuse ever since their performance aired on BGT.
Ashley took to Instagram earlier this week to share some of the messages they've received.
Read more here.
