Jordan Banjo has reflected on the backlash that Diversity received for their controversial performance on Britain’s Got Talent which came amid Black Lives Matter protests.
The dance troupe – who won the ITV show back in 2009 – returned to the stage for an episode in 2020. The group’s performance referenced events that had taken place that year. There were references to the Black Lives Matter movement and one moment showed a figure, seemingly depicting a police officer, restraining troupe member Ashley Banjo, who was seen lying on a floor.
The routine, which also referenced the Covid pandemic, prompted some criticism at the time, such as that it was ‘too politicised’. The performance was even the subject of Ofcom complaints, though no further action was taken.
It however also received praise and was described by fans as a “powerful” performance. The routine even ended up being awarded a BAFTA in 2021 for ‘Must-See Moment,’ with the TV award having been voted for by the public.
Three years on from the controversy, Jordan, now 31, spoke to OK! magazine recently about it, reflecting on the experience. Asked how he feels about it now, looking back, he said that in the moment the “negative voices” seem “the loudest”.
Jordan noted that they “only did a dance” but people acted as though they “did something awful”. He recalled that it felt like “the worst thing in the world” at the time. He added that he now realises that nobody “cares that much,” saying that people have moved on and he has to do the same.
He reminded the outlet that Diversity won a BAFTA for the performance and stated that it “sparked really positive conversations”. Jordan said that it’s had a “lasting impact,” adding that it also led to “conversations” in communities.
Asked about it having attracted criticism, Jordan suggested it had been a “misunderstanding” for some viewers, though added that others “love to jump on a bandwagon” and be “outraged”. He said that whilst everyone is “entitled” to their opinion, he suspects some people “thrive on negativity”.
It was brought up in the interview that Jordan previously shared that he “had to move house” due to the backlash. He responded: “Yes, I had people try to break into my house or vandalise my car. But the experience has given me a thicker skin. Now, I just take steps to minimise negativity.”
The KISS radio host’s family includes his wife Naomi Courts, whom he has been married to since 2022. The couple have three children together, with them parents to Cassius, six, Mayowa, four, and Atreus, who turns one later this month.
Jordan suggested that he doesn’t “read negativity” now. He added that Diversity has “never tried” to be controversial, saying that the troupe like to “entertain”. He said that he feels that it’s “important” to use his platform for “positivity”.
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