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.<\/p>\n
Bruno, 69, who sits on the illustrious panel alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Another performer, Akira Ohashi, also caused a stir and attracted 90 complaints for his naked act.<\/p>\n 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Bruno remarked to The Mirror: “I don’t focus on the negative. Social media? Forget it. Life is too short. Read a book!”<\/p>\n He has previously stood up for Auzzy Blood, telling Metro and other outlets: “It’s presentation, to me \u2013 it was a bit like the Hammer House Of Horror feel, these movies that had this kind of wonderful, gothic feel to them.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n