Jim Davidson slammed after saying Diversity 'should do mugging dance' amid BGT row
Comedian Jim Davidson has taken to YouTube in a rant about the current row surrounding a Black Lives Matter-inspired dance by Diversity on Britain's Got Talent
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Comedian Jim Davidson has faced a backlash after suggesting Diversity do a dance about 'mugging'.
The 66-year-old's remarks come after the dance troupe performed a dance routine inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement on Britain's Got Talent, which has received greater levels of support following the death of African-American man George Floyd in the United States.
Despite drawing praise for being thought-provoking and powerful, broadcasting regulator Ofcom received 21,673 complaints about the content of Diversity's performance.
Now, in a YouTube video entitled 'Who Needs Diversity?', the comedian did not hold back from his views on the row.
Jim ranted: "Diversity, what the f*** do you want?
"You just want to be famous all around the world - you don't give a f**k about George (Floyd)."
He added: "You don't see white couples on adverts anymore, do you? Most TV presenters are non-white.
"The Golden Girls, you know that film The Golden Girls with all them old birds? That's being made by black people."
The comedian then went on to appear to reference a real-life mugging incident.
Jim added: "There's loads of white people sticking up for you, sticking up for Black Lives Matter - young white girls walking around with banners.
"Well, I say most young girls, Gemma's sister is not holding up a banner as she was violently mugged by three black men."
He then suggested: "Perhaps Diversity can do a mugging thing."
The controversial comic then appeared to blame the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, especially in the North of England on the BAME communities.
"We are now going back down the snake because people are not bothering," said the comic.
"The BAME community, what the f**k does that mean? The Asian community who have big families are taking no notice and staying together. They have a bubble of 300 in a f*****g house.
"This is why it is happening in these areas. These areas are predominantly BAME areas.
"So f*****g sort yourselves out, instead of walking around doing knees and protesting. Save your family!"
Jim's inflammatory remarks prompted a strong backlash on social media, with many labelling his remarks as 'racist'.
One person tweeted: "F*****g hell, just been made aware of Jim Davidson's YouTube channel. My God, how sad and pathetic he now is. Broadcasting pure bile and racist hatred from what looks like his shed."
Another Twitter user wrote: " @JimDOfficial your video of who needs diversity is absolutely disgusting. @piersmorgan you should watch this. Vile human being."
Elsewhere, another person commented: "Comedian Jim Davidson’s attack in a video I just watched on FB is an utter disgrace. The man is, always has been, and always will be blatantly racist. Shame on him and shame on FB for allowing it on their social media platform!!"
"Jim Davidson is a horrible bitter little man, raging that black people are on television on a Saturday night rather than his Gammon face," opined another Twitter user.
However, Jim was not without his supporters.
One fan wrote: LMFAO! Jim Davidson sticks it to @Diversity_Tweet#BlackLivesMatter and @GaryLineker. Worth a watch."
"He’s going to be in trouble now but he is funny," echoed another."
Finally, one person concluded: "Another old man with terrible opinions, also check out the comments. Everyone agreeing with their Great Britain flags on their names lmao".
Despite the thousands of complaints to Ofcom, ITV has stood by Diversity's performance on Britain's Got Talent.
An ITV spokesperson told the Mirror: "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."
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