Bruno Tonioli breaks silence on Ofcom complaints after 'sickening' Britain's Got Talent acts

Britain's Got Talent judge and former Strictly star Bruno Tonioli has spoken out about the Ofcom complaints lodged by ITV viewers over some of this year's more controversial performances.

The 69-year-old, who sits on the illustrious panel alongside Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, and guest judge KSI, spoke after several acts, particularly Auzzy Blood's, sparked a backlash resulting in 700 Ofcom complaints.

Austin Punton, stage name Auzzy Blood, took the audience by surprise with his horror-themed audition that involved inserting metal objects into his face.

Another performer, Akira Ohashi, drew attention and complaints from 90 viewers for performing unclothed throughout his act.

 

In light of the uproar, Bruno suggested that individuals who felt uncomfortable with the performances could consider "reading a book" as an alternative diversion, reports Belfast Live.

Bruno's remarks to The Mirror were: "I don't focus on the negative. Social media? Forget it. Life is too short. Read a book!"

Previously, Bruno has defended act Auzzy Blood in comments to Metro among other publications, saying: "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."

 

He continued to support the acts, remarking: "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 shared his enthusiasm for the unpredictability that performer Auzzy Blood brings to the show, commenting: "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 added, "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."

The Strictly star became a judge in 2023 (Image: ITV)

In 2023, Bruno took up the role of judge on Britain's Got Talent, stepping into the shoes of David Walliams for the programme's 16th series following an 18-year tenure as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing.

David Walliams parted ways with Britain's Got Talent after off-camera remarks he made about contestants came to light. The derogatory comments, exposed in a report by The Guardian, were disparaging and led to his decision to exit the show.

Britain's Got Talent Final airs Saturday May 31 at 7pm on ITV1.