Britain’s Got Talent has found itself at the center of controversy after its latest episode triggered a wave of complaints to Ofcom.
The popular ITV talent show reportedly received a total of 771 complaints, with the majority directed at a particularly extreme performance by contestant Auzzy Blood.
Auzzy Blood’s Shocking Performance Sparks Debate
The professional sword swallower, known for his daring stunts, left audiences stunned after inserting a silver meat hook through his nose as part of his act.
Auzzy, who has competed in six Got Talent franchises worldwide, is no stranger to shocking performances.
However, his latest stunt led to an outpouring of reactions, with many viewers taking to social media to express their discomfort.
One viewer on X (formerly Twitter) described the act as “the most disturbing thing I’ve seen,” while another admitted, “That was hard to watch, but wow, it was brilliant at the same time.” While some found his routine thrilling, others were deeply unsettled, prompting hundreds to formally complain to Ofcom.
Despite the controversy, Auzzy Blood managed to advance to the next round, with some fans already tipping him as a potential winner. One enthusiastic supporter even declared, “He’s my BGT winner! Love, love, LOVED HIM!”
Additional Complaints Over Akira Ohashi’s Act
While Auzzy Blood received the lion’s share of complaints, an additional 90 complaints were filed concerning another act performed by Akira Ohashi. Viewers took issue with elements of nudity in his performance, leading to further scrutiny of the show’s content.
This backlash has sparked debate over Britain’s Got Talent’s boundaries when it comes to family-friendly entertainment. With acts pushing limits for shock value, some viewers are questioning whether the show is straying too far from its original appeal.
Alesha Dixon Weighs In on the Controversy
Following the uproar, Britain’s Got Talent judge Alesha Dixon addressed the controversy on Loose Women, revealing that even her mother was unimpressed by Auzzy Blood’s act.
“My mum actually messaged me, ‘Well done for buzzing him,’” Alesha shared, referencing the moment she pressed her red buzzer during his performance.
She admitted to having a mixed reaction, stating, “I find those kinds of acts really interesting. They’re a bit like Marmite—we love to hate them. I found it difficult to watch, but when I rewatched it with my family, I was howling with laughter. Seeing everyone’s reactions made it entertaining.”
The judge also confessed that she struggled to sit through the act, explaining, “I was like this for most of it,” as she mimicked covering her eyes. “And then I just reached over to my red buzzer. After I watched it at the launch, I did say to the producer, ‘I get it.’”
Balancing Entertainment with Viewer Sensitivities
With Britain’s Got Talent known for its diverse range of performers, controversy is nothing new. Over the years, the show has featured a mix of heartwarming, comedic, and shocking acts. However, this latest incident has reignited conversations about what is deemed appropriate for prime-time television.
As the series progresses, it remains to be seen how the show’s producers will respond to the backlash and whether future acts will be scrutinized more carefully to avoid further viewer complaints.
For now, Auzzy Blood’s performance has certainly left a lasting impression—whether for better or worse depends on who you ask.
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