Hundreds of complaints made about BGT after contestant pushes objects into face
The contestant also then ran a tube into his mouth and out of his nose for judge Simon Cowell to drink through.
Hundreds of complaints have been made about Britain’s Got Talent contestant Auzzy Blood, after his horror-themed performance took a gruesome turn.
Media watchdog Ofcom said it has received a total of 771 complaints for the launch episode of season 18 of the ITV show, which aired on Saturday.
A spokeswoman for Ofcom said: “The vast majority of complaints were about Auzzy Blood’s routine. Around 90 of the complainants also complained about nudity in Akira Ohashi’s routine.”
The episode saw US cabaret performer Blood, real name Austin Punton, who competed previously on America’s Got Talent, insert a series of metallic objects into his face.
The act, who calls himself a “walking freak show” on Instagram, then ran a tube into his mouth and out of his nose for judge Simon Cowell to drink through.
The judges looked horrified by the act and turned away at points as it climaxed with the performer climbing up a rope using a metal hook in his mouth.
Despite concerns from judge Alesha Dixon, Blood was voted through to the next stage of the competition, with Cowell describing the performance as “one of my favourite acts of the day”.
Ohashi, from Tokyo, was also voted through to the next stage after a naked act.
His act saw him cover his bottom half with a number of objects, with the task becoming more difficult as the items he used got smaller, or moved faster.
BGT sees a number of different styles of performers compete for a chance to star in the Royal Variety Performance and a cash prize of £250,000.
Previous winners have included singer Susan Boyle, dance act Diversity and dog act Ashleigh And Pudsey.
Judges this season include radio presenter Amanda Holden, talent manager Cowell, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli and singer Dixon, along with guest judge YouTube star KSI.
It is hosted by Geordie presenting duo Anthony “Ant” McPartlin and Declan “Dec” Donnelly.
The show will return to ITV and ITVX next Saturday at 7pm.
ITV have been contacted for comment.
