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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Charlotte Tutton

Piers Morgan 'proud' of ITV for standing by Diversity's BGT performance after backlash

Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said he was "proud" of ITV's support for Diversity and Ashley Banjo, after recent complaints over their Britain's Got Talent performance.

The incredible and emotional routine earlier this month referenced the Black Lives Matter movement, and also referenced the death of George Floyd in America earlier this year.

Viewers were moved to tears by the performance, with the group praised for their incredible message and for using their platform.

But the moment also faced some backlash, with thousands of complaints made to ITV and Ofcom.

This number has now soared above 20,000, with Diversity members speaking out over the complaints.

Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan said he was "proud" of ITV's support for Diversity and Ashley Banjo (ITV)

As support for the group continues to be shared online, from fans, friends and Ashley's BGT co-stars, Piers has also stood by Ashley and the group and encouraged them to keep going.

Now, ITV have released a statement saying they too stand by Diversity and the performance that was aired.

Speaking about it on GMB on Wednesday, Piers shared his pride over the channel's response to the hate and the complaints.

ITV made a statement supporting Ashley Banjo and Diversity, as complaints over their Britain's Got Talent performance soared (ITV)

He and co-host Susanna Reid echoed their support for the group too, with them reaching out to Ashley once more.

Piers said: "Can I just say I don’t think I have ever been prouder to work for ITV than I am now, and I think a lot of employees here feel the same.

"They haven’t bowed to the mob of 20,000 people protesting to Ofcom that this was an outrage that Diversity performed on BGT."

Diversity wowed most BGT viewers with their incredible and moving routine (Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock)

He added: "Good for ITV."

Susanna agreed: "Quite right and we stand with Diversity as well."

Piers went on: "Ashley, I know you have been watching all week. Keep going, we are all behind you. Your name is Diversity."

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV.

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