Ashley Banjo responds to poll results claiming BLM movement increased tension in UK

Ashley Banjo has hit back at a poll that claimed the Black Lives Matter movement increased racial tension across the country.

The 32-year-old Diversity performer and Britain's Got Talent judge had a clever comeback for those that allegedly felt 'tense' in the face of the BLM movement.

Taking to social media, the choreographer said that he was there to set the record straight and suggested that 'tension' as well as conversation was necessary.

Ashley's messages came months after Diversity received almost 30,000 Ofcom complaints following their BLM-inspired Britain's Got Talent routine.

"And the Diversity performance sparked nearly 30,000 complaints..." Ashley wrote alongside a link to a story about the poll.

Ashley Banjo responded to a recent poll that revealed 55% of people surveyed thought the BLM protests raised tension (Dave J Hogan/Getty Images)

"Conversation, Honesty and ‘Tension’ are all very necessary when you’re facing a deep rooted issue that’s set in over hundreds of years. Apologies to those that felt ‘tense’..."

In a second tweet, Ashley then urged those feeling tension to 'get a massage'.

He continued: "For anyone who thought this was any kind of genuine apology... I’m Just here to set the record straight. The only thing I can suggest to all the people feeling ‘tension’ is some kind of massage? Once the lockdown is over of course #Blacklivesmatter."

According to the poll in question, conducted by Opinium, the survey revealed that 55% felt that the BLM protests 'increased racial tension'.

Ashley took to social media on Sunday to share his thoughts (@AshleyBanjo/Twitter)

He then clarified that he was here to set the record straight (@AshleyBanjo/Twitter)

The Guardian reported that over 2,000 were approached for the survey.

In response to Ashley's latest message, a number of fans shared their support for the dancer and Diversity's performance in the comment section.

"That performance was visually stunning & breathtaking in its brutal truth," penned one follower.

Others urged Ashley not to apologise for what he believed in - which Ashley later clarified wasn't the case.

The dance group raised awareness for the ruthless killing of George Floyd (ITV)

Diversity's breathtaking BGT performance included scenes of a police officer kneeling on Ashley's back as well as backing dancers dressed as riot police.

While the stunning show was widely praised for its potent messages, almost 30,000 racist viewers complained about the performance to Ofcom.

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