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.
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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.'
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Britain's Got Talent continues on ITV on Saturday, at 7pm.
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