ITV BGT faces avalanche of Ofcom complaints following ‘disgusting’ acts: ‘Out of keeping with a family show!’
Britain’s Got Talent has been hit with a torrent Ofcom complaints following its season 18 premiere last weekend.
The ITV talent show received a total of 771 complaints from viewers, with the vast majority targeting two controversial acts.
The 18th series of the popular programme made its comeback on Saturday, showcasing auditions from hopefuls across the nation.
However, acts performed by Auzzy Blood and Akira Ohashi greatly divided.
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A spokesperson for Ofcom confirmed: “The vast majority of complaints were about Auzzy Blood’s routine. Around 90 of the complainants also complained about nudity in Akira Ohashi’s routine.”
Auzzy Blood, a professional sword swallower, shocked audiences with his extreme and graphic performance.
The seasoned performer, whose real name is Austin Punton, has previously competed on six different Got Talent shows worldwide, including America’s Got Talent.
During his audition, Auzzy inserted metallic objects into his face and ran a tube into his mouth and out of his nose for judge Simon Cowell to drink through. The act culminated with the performer climbing up a rope using a metal hook in his mouth.
The act proved to be extremely divisive, with some blasting the performance as “morally repugnant and totally out of keeping with a family show.”
“AUZZY BLOOD on BGT was disgusting, not entertainment, pre-watershed and a terrible example to children watching a supposed family show,” another viewer posted on X.
The 65-year-old judge said: “We do have kids in the audience. I’m always looking behind, going do they like it? They actually, yeah they do. We probably will get some complaints, yeah.”
After Auzzy Blood’s performance, Cowell described it as “one of my favourite acts of the day, genuinely.”
Amanda Holden described Auzzy Blood’s performance as “horrifically brilliant” while trembling.
Elsewhere, Akira Ohashi also hit the headlines for his controversial routine which received 90 complaints.
The Japanese performer stripped off in front of judges and audience, using a variety of objects and skilful techniques keep himself barely covered, pushing ITV’s censorship limits.
Responding to previous criticism, Akira said: “Those who watch the whole act realise there’s nothing dirty about it. It’s just a middle-aged guy with a tray, a bow tie and no other clothes”.
Cowell had previously anticipated the backlash during the press launch of the new series.