Britain's Got Talent Ofcom complaints over last weekend's show have more than doubled to 2,966 after Ashley Banjo's Diversity dance group performed a Black Lives Matter inspired routine.
The dramatic routine, which referenced George Floyd's death in May, saw a police officer kneeling on Ashley's neck, as dancers dropped to one knee and said: "I can't breathe."
The performance had racked up more than 1,121 Ofcom complaints up to yesterday, with some claiming the show should not be "politicised".
Today Ofcom announced complaints over the semi-final show had surged to 2,966, as Ashley, 31, defended the routine on Instagram, MailOnline reports.
Ashly wrote: "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."
Ashley also referenced Martin Luther King Jr quote as he revealed he was both "grateful" and "overwhelmed" by the support.
"'Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter' – Martin Luther King Jr."
Ashley continued: "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.
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"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."
Ashley's fellow dancers and celebrity pals rushed to the comments section to send messages of support.
His brother, Jordan Banjo, 27, wrote: "Proud."
Perri Kiely, 24, wrote: "Nah I’m so gassed to be a part of this."
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The performance was given a standing ovation from the studio audience but was met by mixed opinions from viewers at home.
Some said it should not be "politicised" while others praised its thought-provoking and emotive retelling of some of this year's biggest news events.
A spokesperson for Ofcom said yesterday: "We have received a total of 1,121 complaints in relation to last Saturday’s Britain’s Got Talent, most of which related to the Diversity dance segment.
"We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate."
Ofcom has been contacted by Daily Star Online for comment.
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