‘Strictly Come Dancing’s same-sex dance routine sparks nearly 200 complaints to the BBC
Complainants said it was 'offensive to feature two men dancing as a pair'
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
Strictly Come Dancing’s same-sex routine has sparked nearly 200 complaints to the BBC.
On Saturday (November 2), Johannes Radebe teamed up with fellow pro Graziano Di Prima on the BBC ballroom and latin dance show – marking the first ever same-sex dance routine.
However, according to a new report, the dance was met with criticism and around 189 complaints were made to the corporation’s Audience Services arm.
The complainants said that it was ‘offensive to feature two men dancing as a pair’ as the reason for complaining.
Despite this, the dance was praised by both the judges on the long-running BBC competition and fans of the show.
Following on from the complaints, judge Bruno Tonioli said he was ‘speechless’ and wrote: “With everything else going on in the world this is what people find offensive…”
Just speechless… With everything else going on in the world this is what people find offensive…
— Bruno Tonioli (@BrunoTonioli) November 21, 2019
Although the show has yet to introduce a same-sex dance couple actually competing, Johannes said he ‘never felt so liberated’ while dancing with his fellow pro.
While speaking to HELLO! magazine, Johannes said: “I’ve never felt so liberated.
“For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am.
“That says so much about the people of this country. To be able to dance with a friend I respect and adore is joyous.
“There’s bromance galore between us, but there were no male and female roles, just free movement.
“It was beautiful, classy and elegant.”