Diversity’s Jordan Banjo breaks down on air over ‘horrible’ BGT complaints
Diversity star Jordan Banjo’s voice cracked and he fought back tears as he spoke about the backlash the group suffered over their Black Live Matter dance on Britain’s Got Talent over the weekend
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Diversity ‘s Jordan Banjo broken down on air today over the “horrible” complaints about the group’s BLM dance on Britain’s Got Talent this weekend.
The troupe honoured the Black Lives Matter movement with a poignant performance, which featured them taking the knee and showing a figure dressed as a police officer kneeling on his brother Ashley Banjo.
Broadcasting watchdog Ofcom has been flooded with complaints over the performance, and the stars have been subjected to abuse from vile trolls online.
Jordan, 27, spoke about the fall out during his show on KISS FM today as he appeared alongside his Diversity co-star Perri Kiely.
During their breakfast show today, Perri brought up the subject of the BGT dance saying: “On Saturday we performed with Diversity on Britain’s Got Talent.
“Our performance covered the events of this year and the appalling messages that need to be spoken about.
“It’s something close to our hearts. We’ve never ever had a response like this.”
Jordan went on: “Of course you get some critiques but normally it’s focused on the dance.
“But this one was different, it was really important, it was special to us. We are all about positivity and love and we got so much positivity and love back from this one.
“But we also got bombarded with messages and articles of horrible stuff about us, about our families, about how even now Diversity not diverse enough because there’s only five white people in it.”
Jordan’s voice began to crack and he was overwhelmed with emotion as he added: “I can’t speak for anyone else it’s sad, it’s sad, genuinely.
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“I feel really anxious and worried saying something like black lives matter when that’s all we want man, love and positivity.
“No one is saying only black lives matter, as a son and as a dad, I look at Pel [Perri] and I just.. it’s all positivity and love, let’s keep it moving.”
Jordan cut his link short and went to a song as he struggled to keep his emotions in check.
By last night, Ofcom had recorded nearly 3,000 complaints over the BGT dance.
Jordan’s brother Ashley has spoken out on social media he shared a meme that criticised black public figures which read: “Dear Joshua, Hamilton, Banjo and any other Black public figures.
We the Great British Public will only support you if you entertain us and do not say anything about racism. Thank you for understanding,” the original message read.
Ashley then wrote: “For the people sending this: 1. You do not represent or speak for the Great British public.
“2. Silence was never and will never be an option. 3. Change is inevitable… Get used to it. #Diversity.”
A representative for Britain’s Got Talent has also defended the performance in a statement issued to the Mirror.
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