Britain's Got Talent has been the subject of more than 1,000 complaints over Diversity's Black Lives Matter-inspired dance routine.
The ITV show returned on Saturday night for the first of five semi-final shows to be played out in the coming weeks.
As well as acts fighting to bag a spot in the final, the programme also featured a performance from dance troupe Diversity, led by stand-in BGT judge Ashley Banjo, reports the Manchester Evening News.
The routine was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement and included Ashley being knelt on by a police officer, reminiscent of the incident that led to the death of George Floyd in the USA earlier this year.
It featured a recital of viral poem, The Great Realisation, by the singer Tomfoolery, which is about the BLM movement and allegations of police brutality.
But the performance has divided viewers and 1,121 viewers complained to watchdog Ofcom.
A Ofcom spokesperson said: "We have received a total of 1,121 complaints in relation to last Saturday’s Britain's Got Talent, most of which related to the Diversity dance segment.
"We are assessing the complaints against our broadcasting rules, but are yet to decide whether or not to investigate."
Ashley addressed comments surrounding his performance through Intagram.
He said alongside an image of the troupe: "Art: The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.
"My truth, my platform, my art. I've always tried to create not only to entertain but also to inspire... That will never change.
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter’ - Martin Luther King Jr."
He continued: "I'm so grateful and overwhelmed by all of the love and support but also by the amount of conversation this performance has thrown up.
"2020 has been such a historical year. One day we will look back and realise it was the start of real change...
"Sending out nothing but love and positivity to everyone reading this."
