Britain’s Got Talent judge and former Strictly Come Dancing star Bruno Tonioli has hit back at the Ofcom complaints lodged by ITV viewers over this year’s edgy performances.
Bruno, 69, who sits on the illustrious panel alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and guest judge KSI, spoke out following a series of acts that stirred controversy, particularly Auzzy Blood’s performance, which resulted in 700 Ofcom complaints.
Auzzy Blood, whose real name is Austin Punton, left audiences aghast with his horror-themed audition that saw him insert metal objects into his face.
Another performer, Akira Ohashi, also caused a stir and attracted 90 complaints for his naked act.
In light of the uproar, Bruno suggested that those taken aback by the performances might be better off “reading a book” instead, reports Belfast Live.
Bruno remarked to The Mirror: “I don’t focus on the negative. Social media? Forget it. Life is too short. Read a book!”
He has previously stood up for Auzzy Blood, telling Metro and other outlets: “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.
“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.”
Bruno excitedly expressed his appreciation for the surprising elements Auzzy Blood brings to the stage, saying: “What is incredible, and what I like about the show is he’s exciting. We didn’t know what was going to happen, and it’s open to all parts of what we call variety.”
He elaborated on the act’s roots in entertainment history, explaining: “There is historical precedence to it. It’s not [just] shock value. It is something that is out there and it has been around within this canon of variety for hundreds of years.”
In 2023, Bruno took up the mantle as a judge on Britain’s Got Talent, stepping into the shoes of David Walliams for the show’s 16th series following his long-standing tenure of 18 years on Strictly Come Dancing.
On the other hand, David decided to part ways with Britain’s Got Talent after off-the-cuff remarks about participants came to light through The Guardian. The leaked comments were deemed disrespectful, leading to his exit from the popular talent series.
Britain’s Got Talent Final airs Saturday May 31 at 7pm on ITV1.