By Sheila Mckenzie-
Ofcom has declined 24,000 complaints against a Black Lives Matters dance performance expressed on Britain’s Got Talent .
Over 24,000 complaints were made to Ofcom in the wake of the performance, which saw dance act Diversity memorialise George Floyd and celebrate the Black Lives Matter movement.
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The performance saw group leader Ashley Banjo pinned down by a police officer, with the group going on to take the knee on the words: “Black Lives Matter.”
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
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In a 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.”
Ofcom ruled that none of the concerns were valid based on their existing criteria, which investigated whether the routine broke acceptable standards, encouraged dangerous behaviour or expressed impartial views. They also declared that they would not pursue action against ITV.
Britain’s Got Talent “showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms”, calling the routine “an authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020”.
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