Piers Morgan praises ITV's response to Diversity backlash

Piers Morgan is "proud" of ITV for supporting Diversity\'s \'Britain\'s Got Talent\' dance routine.

The broadcaster recently defended the dance troupe after their Black Lives Matter-inspired routine - which narrated the death of George Floyd, among other recent events - sparked more than 22,000 complaints to Ofcom.

Speaking on \'Good Morning Britain\', Piers said: "Can I just say, I don\'t think I have ever been prouder to work for ITV than I am now, and I think a lot of employees here feel the same.

"They haven\'t bowed to the mob of 20,000 people protesting to Ofcom that this was an outrage that Diversity performed on \'BGT\' ... Good for ITV."

Susanna Reid agreed with the sentiment, adding: "Quite right and we stand with Diversity as well."

Piers also delivered a message to dancer and \'BGT\' judge Ashley Banjo, who helped to create the routine.

He said: "Ashley, I know you have been watching all week. Keep going, we are all behind you. Your name is Diversity."

Following the complaints, ITV insisted the routine was an "authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020".

In a statement published on its website, a spokesman said: "\'Britain\'s Got Talent\' has always been an inclusive show, which showcases diversity and supports strong storytelling in all forms and ITV stands behind the decision to broadcast Diversity\'s performance on \'BGT\'.

"Ashley and the group are a great example of the talent, creativity and diversity of modern Britain and their performance was an authentic, heartfelt response to many of the issues and events which have affected society in 2020."

Meanwhile, Ashley has claimed that the recent backlash has helped to underline the importance of the routine.

He said: "A lot of the comments showed just why this performance was needed.

"Racism is very real. I knew it before, and I definitely know it now. After this performance, everything that we\'ve received it\'s been overwhelming in a negative sense sometimes.

"It\'s been tough ... I\'m feeling so happy that we opened it up and if that\'s what it takes it\'s a price I\'m willing to pay."