As part of the channel’s celebration of Black History Month, ITV aired a documentary called Britain in Black and White fronted by Diversity star and Dancing On Ice judge Ashley Banjo last night (Tuesday 18 October).
In the programme, Ashley explored the polarising reaction to the Black Lives Matter-inspired dance routine performed by his dance troupe on Britain’s Got Talent in the wake of George Floyd’s death last year. While many praised the performance - which was later granted a Must-see Moment BAFTA award in a public vote - for raising awareness of the important subject to a mainstream audience, broadcast watchdog Ofcom received over 24,000 complaints.
One of Diversity’s most vocal critics was comedian and former Celebrity Big Brother winner Jim Davidson, who furiously branded the performance “ridiculous” and “indulgent” in a tone-deaf YouTube video titled “Who needs Diversity?” In the shocking foul-mouthed clip, he made the awful suggestion that the group should have done a routine about “mugging” instead.
Ashley sat down with Jim for the documentary to discuss the comedian’s rant in a “real, direct, honest” conversation, with Ashley telling him, “As far as I’m concerned, that video you made… It was racist in every way, in every single way. It was personal and racist. I’m from this country, I love this country, I’m from a mixed race background.”
But Jim insisted his video had nothing to do with race and told Ashley, “No, you just happened to be black – it was about you.” He also claimed, “I support Black Lives Matter, but not Black Lives Matter the movement.”
Things then turned tense when Ashley questioned why Jim had in the video referred to George Floyd’s ethnicity when discussing his crime and pointed out that it was wrong. “Oh Jesus, this is f--king crazy,” Jim replied. He told Ashley he was “talking b----ks” and insisted Diversity’s performance was inappropriate for a “late entertainment show”.
After accidentally referring to Ashley as “George”, a flustered Jim then called time on the interview and branded it was “no-win”. He added, “Stick to the dancing, you’re brilliant,” as Ashley tried to stop him walking out of the conversation.
CHECK OUT inspiring Black activists and influencers you should follow on Instagram
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1 of 10Lizzo
@lizzobeeating on Instagram: "It's time to hold the people in charge accountable. It's time for them to listen. And it's time for actual change in our policies and practices."'Truth Hurts' singer, Lizzo shot to fame and has since used her music as a means of empowerment and protest. While for some she's become a symbol of black, female and body-positive empowerment, Lizzo would also like to be considered as an activist because she "cares about issues and wants to help the world."She recently lead a TED Talk about cultural appropriation and what it means to navigate the world and music industry as a Black woman.
2 of 10John Boyega
@johnboyega on Instagram: "I'll continue to use my platform to fight against the injustices and inequalities in our community, no matter what."Predominantly known for his role in 'Star Wars,' actor John Boyega gave an emotional speech at a Black Lives Matter protest in Hyde Park last year. He also starred in BBC drama 'Small Axe' which explores the real-life experiences of the Windrush generation in London. He continues to be involved in projects that demonstrate Black history, and uses his platforms to uplift other Black creatives.
3 of 10Dave
@santandave on Instagram: "To the victims of the Windrush scandal, the victims of Grenfell, the victims of war crimes in the Middle East, the victims of racism and corruption at the highest levels and all the other things that this album is about."Dave's climb to fame through YouTube eventually saw him perform a powerful rendition of his song 'Black' at the BRIT Awards in 2020 where he voiced his experiences on being Black. He's also repeatedly showed solidarity for the victims of Grenfell over the years, and shown his support for the Black Lives Matter movement through protest.
4 of 10Akala
@akalamusic on Instagram: "Happy Black History Month Everyone... lets remember #BHM is not a time or occasion to retell the same old stories, but to start to correct the deliberately distorted history of Africa."You may know Akala through his award-winning musical career, but he's also a best-selling novelist, journalist, historian and poet.He's spoken in equity talks about institutionalised racism and classism within society. He's spoken in solidarity with the Windrush generation and the victims of Grenfell. His incredible influence and ongoing contributions to making sure Black history is heard and represented correctly are undeniable.
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@the_symone on Instagram: "The times we are living in are tough, but do not let that defeat you. You are strong! You are beautiful, but more than anything you are worthy of this life! ✊ud83cudffe #blacklivesmatter."Winner of 'Ru Paul's Drag Race' season 13, Symone expressed how their drag was heavily influenced by Black history and Black culture. Symone shared how moving through the world as being Black and a member of the LGBTQ+ community has effected them throughout their lives. Famously walking down the runway honouring the Black Lives Matter movement with her 'Say Their Names' dress was an emotional statement that won't be forgotten any time soon.
6 of 10Indya Moore
@indyamoore on Instagram: "Every single time trans people break through spaces and that we are typically banned from accessing, we are affirmed that the earth gets to be ours just as much as everyone else."Indya Moore appeared on our screens when they starred in, 'Pose,' a series that encapsulates what it was like for the LGBTQ+ community during the '80s and '90s. They're an activist who's protested and expressed their views publicly on topics like female empowerment, LGBTQ+ rights and racism. They also uses their platform to raise awareness on climate change and the effects of colonisation.
7 of 10Marcus Rashford MBE
**@marcusrashford**on Instagram: "I've grown into a sport where I expect to read things written about myself. Whether it be the colour of my skin, where I grew up, or, most recently, how I decide to spend my time off the pitch. I can take critique of my performance all day long, but I will never apologise for who I am and where I came from."While Marcus Rashford found fame as a footballer playing for Manchester United, he also gained attention through his support of the Black Lives Matter movement, and launching a campaign to feed children living in poverty.Working with FareShare, shooting documentary 'Marcus Rashford: Feeding Britain's Children' and donating £20m to charity, it's clear to see how Marcus Rashford's incredible influence has helped the world to be a better place.
8 of 10Simone Biles
@simonebiles on Instagram: "I'm proud of myself and the career I've had thus far. This olympics doesn't erase the past accomplishments I've achieved nor does it define who I am as an athlete. I've pushed through so much the past couple years, the word quitter is not in my vocabulary."Simone's achievements don't just end at being the most decorated female gymnast in historyand fierce competitor in the Olympics.Her personal achievements may also be considered as pulling out of the women's gymnastic finals to focus on her mental health, which opened the conversation around mental health in a wider sense.As well as being an advocate for female empowerment and Black lives, she raises awareness of mental health and disabilities. She's open about living with ADHD and her Facebook series Simone vs Herself shows her journey to the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
9 of 10Ade Adepitan MBE
@adeadepitan on Instagram: "The Black British disabled experience and why Black disabled representation matters!✊ud83cudffe"You may know him as a Paralympian and a presenter, but Ade Adepitan has also always been an environmental activist and a representative for others with disabilities as well. Starring in documentary Climate Change: Ade on the Frontline, he searches for answers to the climate crisis and its' potential solutions. He's also worked closely alongside Dope Black Disabled to celebrate Black disabled lives.
10 of 10Imarn Ayton
@imarnayton on Instagram: "1 year today...I organised my first ever Black Lives Matter Protest with approximately 20,000 people. Which included: Stormzy, Lewis Hamilton, Anthony Joshua and the Legend Madonna. Needless to say... I am truly grateful for this magical day!"Activist and journalist Imarn Ayton started the Black Reformist Movement to empower Black lives and eradicate racism.She's spoken on Good Morning Britain, BBC News and written for various publications on topics about equity. She's also received support from John Boyega and Madonna for her efforts in organising protests for the Black Lives Matter movement.
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Viewers rushed to social media to share their opinions after the scene aired on TV, with many criticising Jim for abruptly ending the interview.
One tweeted, “I’ve never watched someone on TV embarrass themselves the way Jim Davidson just did in that interview with Ashley Banjo,” while another added, “Jim Davidson. What a nasty, nasty piece of work. Can’t believe we used to watch him on our telly growing up. We’re with you all the way, Ashley Banjo.”
A third wrote, “#AshleyBanjo has done an amazing job trying to hold Jim Davidson accountable. The trouble with people like Davidson is that they will not ever see anything wrong with their actions or behaviour,” with one more commenting, “Wow. Ashley Banjo and Jim Davidson. Not many people would have a face off with Jim Davidson. I admire @AshleyBanjo for doing that.”
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Diversity’s dance routine, which originally aired on Britain’s Got Talent last September, included a white performer kneeling on Ashley’s neck in reference to that way that George Floyd died while in police custody. Dancers were dressed as riot police in the performance, which also tackled the topics of poverty, capitalism and the coronavirus pandemic.
While critics claimed the primetime entertainment show wasn’t the right place to make such a statement, an Ofcom spokesperson confirmed they would not be investigating the complaints made.
They said, “We carefully considered a large number of complaints about this artistic routine, an area where freedom of expression is particularly important.
"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.
"Any depictions of violence by the performers were highly stylised and symbolic of recent global events, and there was no explicit reference to any particular political organisation - but rather a message that the lives of black people matter.”