The controversial performance by contestant Auzzy Blood has led to significant complaints regarding graphic content and nudity during the show’s launch episode.
The first episode of the 18th season of Britain’s Got Talent, which aired on Saturday, has sparked significant controversy, leading to over 770 complaints to the UK media regulator, Ofcom. The complaints primarily centred around the performance of contestant Auzzy Blood, whose act took a graphic and disturbing turn.
Auzzy Blood, whose real name is Austin Punton, is a cabaret performer from the United States and has a history of competing on America’s Got Talent. During his performance, Blood, who refers to himself on social media as a “walking freak show,” inserted metallic objects into his face in a shocking display of physical endurance. The act escalated when he placed a tube through his mouth, extending it out of his nose, which was then used for judge Simon Cowell to drink through. The performance visibly unsettled the judges, with some turning away at certain points. Despite concerns expressed by judge Alesha Dixon, Blood was ultimately voted through to the next stage of the competition, with Cowell labelling it “one of my favourite acts of the day.”
In addition to Blood’s routine, Ofcom reported that around 90 complaints also pertained to nudity during the performance of contestant Akira Ohashi from Tokyo. Ohashi’s act featured him covering his lower half with various objects, with the challenge becoming increasingly difficult as he utilized smaller or faster-moving items. Like Blood, Ohashi was also voted through to the next stage of the talent show.
The complaints have been significant enough that Ofcom described it as receiving a total of 771 complaints regarding the launch episode of the long-running ITV show. A spokesperson for Ofcom confirmed that the vast majority of these complaints were in relation to Blood’s routine.
Britain’s Got Talent continues to be a platform for a diverse array of performers, providing opportunities for those looking to gain fame and the chance to perform at the prestigious Royal Variety Performance, alongside a cash prize of £250,000. The judging panel for this season includes radio presenter Amanda Holden, Cowell, former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli, and Dixon, with guest judge YouTube star KSI.
The show is hosted by the well-known Geordie duo, Anthony “Ant” McPartlin and Declan “Dec” Donnelly. The next episode of Britain’s Got Talent is scheduled to air on ITV and ITVX on Saturday at 7pm. ITV has been approached for comments regarding the complaints and the content of the performances featured in this launch episode.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a63882332/britains-got-talent-criticised-terrifying-auzzy-blood/ – This article discusses the controversy surrounding Auzzy Blood’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent, which was described as ‘terrifying’ and ‘horrifically brilliant’ by the judges. It highlights the mixed reactions from viewers, with some finding it too graphic for a family show.
- https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2025/0226/1499057-bgt-hit-with-complaints-over-horror-themed-act/ – This article reports on the numerous complaints received by Ofcom regarding Auzzy Blood’s horror-themed act on Britain’s Got Talent. It emphasizes the public’s reaction to the graphic nature of the performance.
- https://www.gbnews.com/celebrity/itv-britains-got-talent-700-ofcom-complaints-auzzy-blood-akira-ohashi-acts – This article details the significant number of complaints to Ofcom, primarily focused on Auzzy Blood’s act, which many viewers found inappropriate for a family show. It also mentions complaints about Akira Ohashi’s performance.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This source provides general information about the controversy surrounding Britain’s Got Talent, including the performances of Auzzy Blood and Akira Ohashi, though specific details are not available without accessing the article directly.
- https://www.itv.com/britainsgottalent – This is the official website for Britain’s Got Talent, where viewers can find information about the show, its contestants, and upcoming episodes. It does not specifically address the controversy but provides context about the show’s format and judges.
- https://www.ofcom.org.uk/ – This is the official website of Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, where complaints about television content are reported. While it does not specifically detail the complaints about Britain’s Got Talent, it is the authority responsible for handling such complaints.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative mentions recent events and performances from the 18th season of Britain’s Got Talent, indicating it is likely current.
Quotes check
Score:
0
Notes:
There are no direct quotes from individuals that can be verified online.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Belfast Telegraph, a well-established and reputable publication.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the performances and complaints are plausible given the nature of the show and past controversies. However, specific details like the number of complaints could not be independently verified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be current and originates from a reliable source. While specific details could not be independently verified, the overall content aligns with the typical format and controversies associated with Britain’s Got Talent.
