Britain's Got Talent judge says act 'not offensive' despite 700 Ofcom complaints
Britain's Got Talent judge Bruno Tonioli has jumped to the defence of a contestant whose 'offensive' act received over 700 Ofcom complaints.
Semi-finalist Auzzy Blood – whose real name is Austin Punton – and his horror-themed act got quite the reaction from viewers during his audition.
The American contestant, who describes himself as a 'walking freak show,' inserted several metallic objects into his face, among other stunts, during his live tryout.
After coming out onto the stage in a hooded cloak, Auzzy took two giant bendy straws and inserted them through his mouth and nose at the same time, twisting them as his performance continued.
He also ran a plastic tube into his mouth and out through his nose before inviting judge and show creator Simon Cowell to drink through it in front of the audience.
Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter.
Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you.
At that point, judge Alesha Dixon slammed her red buzzer and later said she 'couldn't watch' any more of his act, despite the audience's mix of shock and awe.
Just when the crowd thought they might have seen the end of his act, he then shoved a hook through his nose, tied it to a rope, and suspended himself in the air.
It was a performance that went down in BGT history, but hundreds watching at home were less than happy with Auzzy's horrifying, death-defying histrionics.
Aware of the reaction after the episode aired, judge Bruno – who was up out of his chair during the act – has leapt to Auzzy's defence in a brand new interview.
He said: '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 continued: '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.
'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.'
Complaints were also made after the audition of Akira Ohashi, who took to the stage completely nude and – at one point – used a deflated beach ball to 'hide his crown jewels'. More Trending
It's not the first time in recent years that hundreds of complaints have been sent to Ofcom from BGT viewers after a particularly shocking audition.
In 2023, Ofcom received exactly 400 complaints after a stunt saw a man set himself on fire, with viewers insisting it should have been shown after the watershed.
Commenting on X, one viewer said: 'BGT absolutely not on. Setting yourself on fire, do not try this at home. Shouldn't be allowed.'
View More »
Britain's Got Talent continues on ITV on Saturday, at 7pm.
Got a story?
If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.
MORE: The 5 best James Bond films ever made – including a record-breaking classic
MORE: Britain's Got Talent finalist Andrew Johnston 'put hands around woman's throat' during alleged rape
MORE: Malcolm in the Middle fans 'crying' after Frankie Muniz reunites with 00s co-stars
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
33 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Love Island row sparks tension as 'mean' dig leads to split just days in
It could be all over for one pair on Love Island 2025 already, as a secret dig from Ben Holbrough about partner Toni Laites left her calling him out and calling things off There was tension and drama on Love Island on Wednesday night, and one couple have already called it quits. Just days into the series, Ben Holbrough's jibe about partner Toni Laites made behind her back, but inevitably shared with her, led to a cringey showdown. As a row was sparked between them, it wasn't long before they appeared to call time on their 'romance' which had not even taken off. Toni seemed to seal the deal where a split was concerned, telling an awkward Ben "good luck" before leaving things there. With spoilers revealing she would then move on and attempt to woo other men in the villa, it's clear Toni has cut things off and left Ben single. He didn't seem too bothered to be honest, moments after telling more than one Islanders that American bombshell Toni had "given him the ick". They had just quarrelled over a remark Toni made to the group, which Ben took offence too. He assumed it was directed at him and meant he was going to get the boot by Toni, before he stormed off when she called him out over his bizarre reaction. It had just followed the dumping of Sophie Lee, whose partner Harry Cooksley was stolen by Shakira Khan. After more than one girl was at risk, Toni commented that it was likely to be the boys who faced being axed next time. She said: "Boys, it's your turn, just saying - I don't think you're gonna be safe." Weirdly, Ben thought the comment was at him and she might be suggesting he isn't safe. As he asked: "Are you saying me in particular?" a baffled Toni replied: "No it's about boys, not everything is about you." With that Ben walked off, before telling co-star Meg: "She said, 'Not everything is about you…' I just got the ick." While Meg didn't say anything, it was Ben telling former partner Shakira about the moment that led to him being exposed. He told Shakira he had the "ick" after what had happened, and Shakira wasted no time in letting her new pal know what he'd been saying about her. Toni was stunned and decided to confront him, asking him if he said it. She told Ben: "I don't wanna hear from other people you said I've given you the ick." They then quarrelled over who gave who the ick, and she said he was overacting. Ben had also suggested they weren't compatible, and he was more interested in Shakira. He also said there was "nothing there", adding he didn't appreciate what she'd said before he had the showdown with her - claiming she was "p*****g him off". Not wanting to "fake how he feels" and saying he didn't feel it, he seemed to take the topic away from what had even been said. He told Shakira of Toni: "I'm stuck with a girl I don't want to be with." Back to the chat with Toni, she decided it wasn't worth her time and she appeared to cool things completely. "I don't think that technique is gonna work for you here," Toni said, to which he claimed a "spark had already been made". Seemingly shocked she told him: "Good luck, pal." He said back: "That's all I've got to say really, but I don't want no bad blood." Toni was clearly taken aback and told him: "...you've got it pal." It comes as viewers confessed they think they already know which former Love Island star is set to enter the famous second villa, Casa Amor. After Sophie's exit left fans stunned with many gutted to see her go so early on, some viewers became convinced her time on the show isn't over. With a recent series seeing a dumped girl return to the villa for Casa Amor, viewers are now speculating Sophie will be back on the show in a matter of weeks, as a bombshell in the second villa. Taking to X, fans guessed the twist would happen with one fan writing: "I reckon Sophie will re-enter the villa as a bombshell by the end of next week at the latest or she will re-enter in Casa Amor." Another said: "Dw Sophie you'll be back in 4 weeks for Casa Amor." A third viewer begged: "Nah bring Sophie back for Casa Amor she deserves a chance." A fourth fan agreed: "Bring her back for casa amor!!" as a fifth viewer posted: "Gutted for her and bring back Sophie as a bombshell or Casa Amor."
The Herald Scotland
37 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Rolling Stones members pay tribute following death of Beach Boys' Brian Wilson
Wood, 78, who has played guitar in the Rolling Stones and rock band Faces, said his world was 'in mourning' amid a week which has also seen the death of US musician Sly Stone. On Wednesday, Wilson's family said in a statement to his website: 'We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.' The statement finished 'Love & Mercy', a reference to one of Wilson's songs as well as a film about him starring John Cusack. Wood said in a social media post: 'Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning, so sad.' His message was punctuated with praying hands and heart emojis, and featured pictures of Wilson and American funk singer Stone, real name Sylvester Stewart, who died on Monday, also aged 82. Richards posted an extract of his 2010 memoir, Life, about Wilson on Instagram with the caption 'Rest in Peace!'. In the excerpt, Richards, 81, recalls hearing The Beach Boys for the first time on the radio, and his reaction to their 1966 album Pet Sounds. The extract reads: 'When we first got to American and to LA, there was a lot of Beach Boys on the radio, which was pretty funny to us – it was before Pet Sounds – it was hot rod songs and surfing songs, pretty lousily played, familiar Chuck Berry licks going on… 'It was later on, listening to Pet Sounds, well, it's a little bit overproduced for me, but Brian Wilson had something.' We are heartbroken to announced that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy — Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) June 11, 2025 Cusack, 58, who played Wilson in a 2014 biopic, said in a post: 'The maestro has passed — the man was a open heart with two legs — with an ear that heard the angels. Quite literally. Love and Mercy for you and yours tonight. RIP Brian.' Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood added: 'Anyone with a musical bone in their body must be grateful for Brian Wilson's genius magical touch!! 'And greatly saddened of this major worldly loss!! My thoughts go out to his family and friends.' Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, also paid tribute in a heartfelt post to X where he described Wilson as 'our American Mozart'. Wilson's band, known for their vocal harmonies, signed with Capitol Records in 1962 and released their first album, Surfin' Safari, that same year. Wilson was born on June 20 1942, and began to play the piano and teach his brothers to sing harmony as a young boy. The Beach Boys started as a neighbourhood act, rehearsing in Wilson's bedroom and in the garage of their house in suburban Hawthorne, California. In the group Wilson played bass while his brother Dennis was the drummer and Carl played lead guitar. The Beach Boys' Carl Wilson, Al Jardine, Dennis Wilson, Brian Wilson and Mike Love (PA) Their debut single, Surfin', became a minor hit upon its release in 1961, but was nothing compared with the success that followed from their second studio album, Surfin' USA, released in 1963. The band were managed by the trio's father, Murry Wilson, but by mid-decade he had been displaced and Brian, who had been running the band's recording sessions almost from the start, was in charge. They released their most recognised album, Pet Sounds, in May 1966 which included the popular songs Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows. Other studio albums including The Beach Boys Today! and Summer Days (Summer Nights!!), both released in 1965, also performed well in the charts. In the later half of the 1960s and into the 1970s they had success upon releasing greatest hits albums including 20 Golden Greats, which peaked at number one in the UK albums chart in 1976. Wilson married singer Marilyn Rovell in 1964 and the couple welcomed daughters Carnie and Wendy, whom he became estranged from following their divorce. He later reconciled with them and they sang together on the 1997 album The Wilsons, which was also the name of a music group formed by Carnie and Wendy following the break-up of pop vocal group Wilson Phillips. Wilson, who had dealt with mental health and drug problems, got his life back on track in the 1990s and married talent manager Melinda Ledbetter. Beach Boys singer-songwriter Brian Wilson (Yui Mok/PA) When Ledbetter died last year, Wilson said their five children, Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota, were 'in tears'. 'She (Ledbetter) was my saviour. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career. She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor,' he said in a statement. Wilson was also embroiled in multiple lawsuits some of which followed from the release of his 1991 autobiography, Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story. The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2001. Their biggest hits included California Girls, Surfin' USA and Good Vibrations, the latter of which topped the UK's singles chart. In 2012, following the 50th anniversary of the Beach Boys being founded, Wilson took to the road with Love, Jardine and others for a tour. Wilson's brother Dennis died in 1983 while Carl died in 1998.
Powys County Times
41 minutes ago
- Powys County Times
Rolling Stones members pay tribute following death of Beach Boys' Brian Wilson
Rolling Stones members Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood have paid tribute to Beach Boys singer Brian Wilson following his death at the age of 82. Wilson was the eldest and last surviving of the three musical brothers who formed the American rock band in 1961, alongside their cousin Mike Love and school friend Al Jardine. Wood, 78, who has played guitar in the Rolling Stones and rock band Faces, said his world was 'in mourning' amid a week which has also seen the death of US musician Sly Stone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ronnie Wood (@ronniewood) On Wednesday, Wilson's family said in a statement to his website: 'We are heartbroken to announce that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family is grieving.' The statement finished 'Love & Mercy', a reference to one of Wilson's songs as well as a film about him starring John Cusack. Wood said in a social media post: 'Oh no Brian Wilson and Sly Stone in one week – my world is in mourning, so sad.' His message was punctuated with praying hands and heart emojis, and featured pictures of Wilson and American funk singer Stone, real name Sylvester Stewart, who died on Monday, also aged 82. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Keith Richards (@officialkeef) Richards posted an extract of his 2010 memoir, Life, about Wilson on Instagram with the caption 'Rest in Peace!'. In the excerpt, Richards, 81, recalls hearing The Beach Boys for the first time on the radio, and his reaction to their 1966 album Pet Sounds. The extract reads: 'When we first got to American and to LA, there was a lot of Beach Boys on the radio, which was pretty funny to us – it was before Pet Sounds – it was hot rod songs and surfing songs, pretty lousily played, familiar Chuck Berry licks going on… 'It was later on, listening to Pet Sounds, well, it's a little bit overproduced for me, but Brian Wilson had something.' We are heartbroken to announced that our beloved father Brian Wilson has passed away. We are at a loss for words right now. Please respect our privacy at this time as our family grieving. We realize that we are sharing our grief with the world. Love & Mercy — Brian Wilson (@BrianWilsonLive) June 11, 2025 Cusack, 58, who played Wilson in a 2014 biopic, said in a post: 'The maestro has passed — the man was a open heart with two legs — with an ear that heard the angels. Quite literally. Love and Mercy for you and yours tonight. RIP Brian.' Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood added: 'Anyone with a musical bone in their body must be grateful for Brian Wilson's genius magical touch!! 'And greatly saddened of this major worldly loss!! My thoughts go out to his family and friends.' Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, also paid tribute in a heartfelt post to X where he described Wilson as 'our American Mozart'. Wilson's band, known for their vocal harmonies, signed with Capitol Records in 1962 and released their first album, Surfin' Safari, that same year. Wilson was born on June 20 1942, and began to play the piano and teach his brothers to sing harmony as a young boy. The Beach Boys started as a neighbourhood act, rehearsing in Wilson's bedroom and in the garage of their house in suburban Hawthorne, California. In the group Wilson played bass while his brother Dennis was the drummer and Carl played lead guitar. Their debut single, Surfin', became a minor hit upon its release in 1961, but was nothing compared with the success that followed from their second studio album, Surfin' USA, released in 1963. The band were managed by the trio's father, Murry Wilson, but by mid-decade he had been displaced and Brian, who had been running the band's recording sessions almost from the start, was in charge. They released their most recognised album, Pet Sounds, in May 1966 which included the popular songs Wouldn't It Be Nice and God Only Knows. Other studio albums including The Beach Boys Today! and Summer Days (Summer Nights!!), both released in 1965, also performed well in the charts. In the later half of the 1960s and into the 1970s they had success upon releasing greatest hits albums including 20 Golden Greats, which peaked at number one in the UK albums chart in 1976. Wilson married singer Marilyn Rovell in 1964 and the couple welcomed daughters Carnie and Wendy, whom he became estranged from following their divorce. He later reconciled with them and they sang together on the 1997 album The Wilsons, which was also the name of a music group formed by Carnie and Wendy following the break-up of pop vocal group Wilson Phillips. Wilson, who had dealt with mental health and drug problems, got his life back on track in the 1990s and married talent manager Melinda Ledbetter. When Ledbetter died last year, Wilson said their five children, Daria, Delanie, Dylan, Dash and Dakota, were 'in tears'. 'She (Ledbetter) was my saviour. She gave me the emotional security I needed to have a career. She encouraged me to make the music that was closest to my heart. She was my anchor,' he said in a statement. Wilson was also embroiled in multiple lawsuits some of which followed from the release of his 1991 autobiography, Wouldn't It Be Nice: My Own Story. The Beach Boys were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2001. Their biggest hits included California Girls, Surfin' USA and Good Vibrations, the latter of which topped the UK's singles chart. In 2012, following the 50th anniversary of the Beach Boys being founded, Wilson took to the road with Love, Jardine and others for a tour. Wilson's brother Dennis died in 1983 while Carl died in 1998.
