Jordan Banjo defends David Walliams after Britain's Got Talent BLM backlash
Jordan Banjo revealed that David Walliams threw his support behind Diversity and thought their performance was 'wicked'. The dance troupe were hit with thousands of Ofcom complaints over their show
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Diversity's Jordan Banjo has revealed that David Walliams "thought the BLM dance was wicked" following the Britain's Got Talent performance.
The 27-year-old dance star has defended the BGT judge after he was criticised for appearing to remain silent about the BLM dance backlash.
Diversity caused a stir when they performed an epic BLM inspired dance during the first semi-final episode.
The performance garnered 24,500 Ofcom complaints as racist viewers threatened to boycott the show because its 'too political'.
The dance troupe was fully backed by ITV and received support from the judges as well as other celebrities and viewers.
Speaking to Metro, Ashley's brother explained that David was also wholeheartedly behind their inspiring performance.
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"Ashley has been there with David and we know his reaction, he loved the routine and thought it was wicked," Jordan told the publication.
"No one should be made to have to scream and shout out or anything – you agree or you don’t and you know that it is what it is.
Defending the judge's apparent silence on the topic, he added: "No one should be made to feel guilty for saying something or not saying something."
"It has got loads of views on YouTube and of course, some people said some negative stuff but relatively most people loved the performance."
Diversity's Perri Kiely also told the publication that they had received lots of support from the public.
"It is people that you wouldn’t expect, people would be approaching you (in the street) and you’re not sure what they’re going to say but it’s all been 100 per cent positive.
"The comments have been “I completely stand by you guys” – “ I am fully with you” and I don’t feel like anyone is going to come up and say anything negative."
David came under fire from viewers who suggested that he should have spoken out about Diversity's performance.
One follower wrote: "Shame on Amanda Holden, David Walliams, Ant & Dec for not publicly and LOUDLY supporting their co-stars rn - their silence speaks volumes and must be like salt in a wound."
Other followers then pointed out that Amanda has shared her support while speaking on Heart Radio.
A representative for David has been contacted for comment.
Despite the backlash to Diversity's appearance, Ofcom recently confirmed they would not be investigating the performance.
The official statement read: "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."
Over the weekend, ITV made a stand with Diversity by taking out full page adverts in all the national newspapers that featured a picture of Ashley Banjo.
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