Alesha Dixon has hit back after claims she threatened to quit BGT over the Diversity dance backlash.
Reports claimed the long-standing judge threatened to walk if the ITV show apologised.
Diversity performed a Black Lives Matter routine last weekend, which has gathered over 15,500 complaints.
Read more: BGT viewers slam vicar Allan Finnegan’s ‘inappropriate’ death and funerals routine
The powerful performance split viewers’ opinions with its references to BLM protests, rioting, and the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.
Reports claimed Alesha was “furious” over the backlash and “doesn’t think anyone should be apologising for anything”.
A source recently told the Mail: “Ashley is in a complete state over all of this and it has knocked his confidence. Alesha has spent the week supporting him and building him back up.
“She is very sad about it all but staunchly stands by the dance. It is something she feels incredibly passionate about so if ITV were to say sorry, it would be understandably hard for her to continue.”
However, Alesha appeared to hit back at the reports on Instagram.
Alesha Dixon hits back
The singer said: “You guys know I don’t genuinely comment on what I call small-minded press.
“I take it with a pinch of salt. We do not need false, negative, inaccurate stories. It’s boring now.
“I don’t know how you get away with putting words into somebody’s mouth. It’s a new day.”
Ent Daily has contacted reps for BGT and Alesha for comment.
Meanwhile, Ashley Banjo, who is standing in for Simon Cowell as head judge, has defended the performance.
You highlight exactly what needs to change.
He took to Twitter: “So much to say… But I’ll just let the performance talk. Thousands of messages of love and support – thank you.
“For the thousands of messages of hate and ignorance – thank you. You highlight exactly what needs to change. Sending nothing but love to you all.”
Alesha Dixon has also firmly defended the performance. She told haters this week to “kiss my black [bleep]”.
What was the Black Lives Matter performance?
The Black Lives Matter performance has now become the second most complained about TV moment in a decade.
The performance included backing dancers performing in riot gear, Ashley being held down on the ground in a similar fashion to George Floyd and the group took the knee during the performance.
Britain’s Got Talent continues on Saturday at 8pm on ITV.
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