BBC will not ‘uphold’ the 300 viewer complaints that thought Strictly same-sex dance was ‘offensive’
Graziano Di Prima and Johannes Radebe performed Strictly’s first ever same-sex dance routine (BBC)
A trailblazing performance by two male professional dancers on BBC One’s Strictly Come Dancing, the first ever same-sex couple routine on the show, sparked more than 300 complaints and absolutely none of them will be upheld.
On November 2019, Johannes Radebe and Graziano Di Prima made TV history when they performed a routine to Emile Sande.
As much as the act saw a flurry of fans write into the stars to thank and praise them, 300 viewers took the time from their not-at-all bland, empty lives to complain.
The BBC‘s recent complaints report revealed that none of the complaints will be “upheld”.
BBC doesn’t uphold anti-gay complaints filed against group breaking Strictly routine.
Moreover, the report, which categorises complaints that totalled more than 100, described the content of those against Strictly as “offensive to show two men dancing together”.
Overwhelmingly, Strictly fans embraced the inclusive performance, but the show’s praise was stung by 189 complaints and a further 103 critics.
Johannes Radebe (L) and Graziano di Prim became the first same-sex duo to dance on Strictly Come Dancing. (Screenshot via Twitter)
That’s 292 people who, well, perhaps they have a “gay friend” which means they’re not homophobic, went through the broadcaster’s complaints system.
Ultimately, the BBC‘s Executive Complaints Unit deemed the performance not “offensive”, being that there is nothing insulting about two people who identify as the same gender dancing moving around in a room to music.
But we all need a hobby, right?
Complainers were ‘silly’, says dancer Graziano Di Prima.
In response to the complainers, Di Prima explained that he and his dance partner Radebe weren’t phased in the slightest.
“OK, there were 200 complaints, but there were millions of people writing to us, sending us videos saying thank you and celebrating our friendship,” he said.
“And for [Johannes], as a gay man, it means the world.”
Di Prima continued: “Why should I care about 200 people? Are you kidding me? Those 200 people, you will see that in the future they will change their minds.
“It is such a silly thing because dancing is for everyone,” he added.
