Britain’s Got Talent has been hit by 2,055 Ofcom complaints over Nabil Abdulrashid’s ‘political’ jokes about race in the final on Saturday.
The funnyman, 35, divided viewers with his routine with some branding the performance ‘too political’ for a family show while others praised him for ‘pushing boundaries’.
During his routine, the comedian addressed his previous performance getting 733 Ofcom complaints and Diversity receiving 24,500 for their Black Lives Matter inspired performance as he hit back at critics.
Complaints: Britain’s Got Talent has been hit by 2,055 Ofcom complaints over Nabil Abdulrashid’s ‘political’ jokes about race in the final on Saturday
Making reference of climate change and the people who have complained, he said: ‘How else do you explain so many snowflakes in October?’. He also said he was surprised that complainers could even write.
Talking about his own Ofcom drama, he said: ‘That’s what upsets me, what did I say to offend anybody.
‘You think I came out here and said something really inflammatory like Winston Churchill was black. By the way, he was!’
Divisive: Nabil divided viewers with the routine with some branding the performance ‘too political’ for a Saturday night show while others praised him for ‘pushing boundaries’
Confirming the numbers to MailOnline, Ofcom said: ‘2094 was the total number of complaints received for Britain’s Got Talent. Of these, 2055 were for the comedian Nabil Abdulrashid’s performance.’
The comic also sparked a backlash with his semi-final performance, which triggered over 700 calls to Ofcom – and saw him sent death threats.
It comes as Britain’s Got Talent has become the most complained about TV show of the decade, with complaints about Nabil, Diversity’s performance and Amanda Holden’s daring outfits.
Defiant: After Nabil’s routine judge Ashley Banjo (pictured) said: ‘I know what it’s like to get a few complaints!’ His joke was a reference to his dance group Diversity’s recent Black Lives Matter inspired routine which received 24,500 Ofcom complaints
After Nabil’s routine judge Ashley Banjo said: ‘I know what it’s like to get a few complaints!’
His joke was a reference to his dance group Diversity’s recent Black Lives Matter inspired routine which received 24,500 Ofcom complaints.
ITV ‘stood with Diversity’ as they featured adverts in national newspapers in support of the controversial dance while Ofcom announced they will not investigate the complaints any further.
Reaction: It comes after Nabil received 733 complaints objecting to last week’s Britain’s Got Talent routine, which saw him tackling racism in his act (pictured)
The act saw group leader Ashley have a white man’s knee leaning on his neck, in reference to the death of black man George Floyd earlier this year.
After the final on Saturday Nabil took to social media to say: ‘Thanks for all the support guys. Didn’t get the ‘W’ today but don’t worry.. the marathon continues. Love you all #teamnabil #nabilarmy I came to make a point and I think I did.’
On Sunday, the media personality revealed he came in fourth place on the show, just 0.2 percent behind Steve Royle.
Routine: Diversity’s performance saw group leader Ashley have a white man’s knee leaning on his neck, in reference to the death of black man George Floyd earlier this year
Support: ITV ‘stood with Diversity’ as they featured adverts in national newspapers in support of the controversial dance while Ofcom announced they will not investigate the complaints any further
Nabil wrote: ‘Lol if it’s any comfort to fans.. I was only 0.2 percent away from top 3 lol I can say I came fourth.’
The TV star, who uploaded an image of himself with Little Britain’s David and Matt Lucas from backstage, also shared his delight over becoming a ‘household name’.
He added: ‘I’m tweeting this now to tell you, don’t be upset that I didn’t win. I wasn’t meant to.. please don’t say I was robbed! It wasn’t mine to be taken. The real prize for me is your live and support as well as the experiences gained and doors opened
After the final on Saturday Nabil took to social media to say: ‘Thanks for all the support guys. Didn’t get the ‘W’ today but don’t worry.. the marathon continues’
‘Please don’t troll anyone on my behalf and don’t make any bad remarks about the wonderful acts in the top 3 I’m sure all our paths will cross again.. in a year when most comics aren’t working I’m now almost a household name. Alhamdulillah.
‘Lastly.. whatever you do.. do it with all your effort and be yourself! I would rather fall short of the prize but stay true to me and what I represent than water myself down or change to win. So my material did it ‘cost me’ victory..
‘Tell you what else I am proud of? After years of flying under the radar I am now being followed by some of the very comedians who made me take up comedy in the first place as well as authors and political activists who have inspired me.’
MailOnline contacted an ITV representative for further comment at the time.
Routine: The funnyman, 35, divided viewers with his routine during Saturday’s final with some branding the performance ‘too political’ for a family show while others praised him for ‘pushing boundaries’