Diversity’s Jordan Banjo has told how the group’s kids were threatened after their controversial Black Lives Matter inspired routine on Britain’s Got Talent.
The routine – which aired earlier this month and featured imagery of George Floyd’s death – is currently the second most complained about TV moment of the decade with more than 24,500 Ofcom complaints.
Despite the backlash the Broadcasting watchdog last week confirmed it won’t be taking action against the show over the performance.
The decision comes after ITV told The Sun Online that they are standing by the dance and leader Ashley Banjo.
In the aftermath of the show Diversity’s members received racist abuse and threats.
Jordan Banjo has admitted he and the group’s kids were targeted by vile trolls (Image: jordbanjo/Instagram)
Now Ashley’s brother Jordan, 27, has admitted the group’s kids were targeted by vile trolls, the Mirror Online reports.
He said: “I don’t want to highlight it but there is an issue from threats, to talking about our kids, to being called names, I have never seen so much creative writing in my entire life.
“How people can adapt one racial slur so many times is beyond me, you need a medal for that.”
The routine – which aired earlier this month and featured imagery of George Floyd’s death – is currently the second most complained about TV moment of the decade (Image: ITV)
He added: “I haven’t spoken to all the boys, some of the boys don’t put themselves up front and centre, so they are part of the group and have loads of Diversity supporters following them, but in terms of me, Pel (Perri) and Ash, we have had a quite a lot of stuff.
He also said it was hard when the “negative voices” rang loud but said that he has been heartened by the level of positive support they have received since.
He said he had lots of support ranging from people in petrol stations telling him how much they loved the performance and Formula 1 racing champion Lewis Hamilton tweeting about it.
Jordan said that the dance was “misconstrued” by a section of viewers but it hasn’t taken away from its sentiment (Image: Instagram)
Jordan said that the dance was “misconstrued” by a section of viewers but it hasn’t taken away from its sentiment.
He also said there was more to the performance than BLM as it was a “celebration” of the NHS as well, after its response to coronavirus.
ITV told in a statement how they stood behind its decision to broadcast the performance.
A spokesperson told the publication: “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.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
