Bruno Tonioli hits back at BGT criticism with three-word suggestion following Ofcom complaints
Britain’s Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli has brushed off recent Ofcom complaints about the show with a scathing three-word response.
The 69-year-old judge made it clear he refuses to be drawn into controversy surrounding some of the programme’s more divisive acts.
“I don’t focus on the negative,” Tonioli told The Mirror. “Social media? Forget it. Life is too short.”
Summarising his overall thoughts on the subject, he simply issued three words: “Read a book!”
His dismissive stance comes as the ITV talent show prepares for its final on Saturday, May 31.
The show has attracted numerous complaints to Ofcom this year, with American contestant Auzzy Blood receiving 700 complaints for his horror-themed act where he inserted metallic objects into his face during his audition.
Nudist performer Akira Ohashi also drew 90 complaints in the same episode after ditching all his clothes for his routine.
The semi-finals added to the controversy when Bao Cuong performed a stunt pulling hosts Ant and Dec on a motorbike using only his eyelids.
Despite the complaints, Tonioli has previously defended controversial acts like Auzzy Blood in older interviews.
“It’s presentation, to me – it was a bit like the Hammer House Of Horror feel, these movies that had this kind of wonderful, gothic feel to them,” he told Metro.
“These acts are huge in Vegas. It does make you squeal, but I don’t think it’s offensive. There is a lot of skill in what he does, and the way it’s presented is quite fascinating.”
He added: “It is something that is out there and it has been around within this canon of variety for hundreds of years.”
Bruno expressed deeper concerns about social media’s impact beyond the show’s controversies, particularly regarding younger generations.
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“If I had kids, I’d be petrified,” he admitted. “It’s an alternative universe. It can be fun, but we need strict guidelines, especially for children.”
Instead of dwelling on online criticism, Tonioli prefers to focus on the talent showcased on Britain’s Got Talent, embracing the variety of performances rather than the negative reactions they sometimes provoke.
As the final approaches, Bruno has already identified his favourites among this year’s diverse lineup. “We’ve had a variety of talent this year. The Blackouts are insane,” he enthused.
However, it’s drag soprano Jasmine Rice who truly captured his heart, earning his Golden Buzzer. “That performance was absolutely incredible for me,” he said.
“That was the most surprising, somebody that really rises to the occasion and exceeds all expectations.”
Jasmine’s story of overcoming rejection in the drag world particularly resonated with Bruno, who valued their positive messaging.
Bruno’s empathy for contestants stems from his own experiences. “I have done what they do. I have done auditions and failed them,” he revealed, adding: “But you learn from your failures.”
His relationship with fellow judges is warm despite occasional on-screen disagreements.
“We’ve been friends for 40 years,” he said of Simon Cowell, while describing his “biggest giggles” with Alesha Dixon.