GMB host Piers Morgan spoke out about the Britain’s Got Talent 2020 controversy online this week, after Ofcom received more than 10,000 complaints about dance group Diversity’s Black Lives Matter-inspired dance routine. The television presenter, who was previously a judge on the ITV talent show, told choreographer Ashley Banjo to “ignore the haters”.
Yesterday, the number of complaints about Saturday night’s show rose to 10,267.
The performance was a dance interpretation of 2020 saw and lead dancer Ashley being knelt on by a dancer dressed as a police officer, a reference to George Floyd’s death earlier this year.
Taking to Twitter to share his thoughts on the matter, in view of his 7.6 million followers, Piers threw his support behind the star and his dance group.
The outspoken TV presenter said: “I thought it was great.”
“Ignore the haters, Ashley. Proud of you,” he continued, retweeting a post by Ashley from Tuesday.
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“Tremendous performance,” agreed another social media user in the comments section of Pier’s post.
Praising Ashley, the message continued: “It’s an absolute disgrace that you have become a target of attack…, freedom of expression whether in art / dance / speech etc should be embraced!! Ignore them, you choreographed an amazing piece of art & expression which reflected our lives!”
“Anyone who is upset by a dance, but not the brutal murder of many black men, women and children should have a long and hard look in the mirror,” a second user added.
A third follower, however, thought the timing of the routine was all wrong and said: “Wrong time and wrong place, this was supposed to be a wholesome family entertainment show, as well you know.”
Another user was quick to point out: “10,000 complaints out of typical viewing figures of 3 million is a very small per cent. Those complaining are in the vast minority. About 0.3 per cent to be precise.”
A fifth frustrated Twitter user then remarked: “I haven’t seen it, I’m not going to watch it. But get a f**king grip, am I really reading people’s comments, upset at a dance routine? This planet is “f**king insane, what a year.”
Earlier this week, a BGT spokesperson said: “Diversity’s performance offered their take on the extraordinary events of 2020 opening up important topics of conversation.
The show was complied for a family audience.”