Britain’s Got Talent faces backlash as new judge’s sexist and racist comments resurface

ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent has come under fire after new judge KSI’s past derogatory comments resurfaced.

The YouTube star, 31, joins the panel for the show’s 2025 series, sitting alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, and Alesha Dixon.

He originally signed on as a temporary replacement for Bruno Tonioli, whose commitments in the US for Dancing With The Stars clashed with the first lot of filming this autumn.

Arrangements have since changed, however, as Simon has stepped down from auditions for the time being in the wake of Liam Payne’s death, with Bruno returning and sitting behind the judges’ desk with Amanda and Alesha, plus KSI.

Auditions resumed in Blackpool yesterday; however, the upcoming series plummeted into further chaos amid criticism of KSI’s signing.

The social media influencer – real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji -previously made sexist and racist remarks, which were called out by the chairman of Parliament’s Culture, Media, and Sport committee last night.

Addressing ITV signing the star, who boasts 24million subscribers and is worth a whopping £34million, Dame Caroline Dinenage said: ‘KSI clearly brings a whole new audience to Britain’s Got Talent.

‘But in the competition for ratings, surely ITV are questioning whether his back catalogue of unsavoury comments really represents the values that they are keen to promote in a family show.’

The comments made include the time KSI described a female vlogger as ‘bangable’.

He added: ‘There’s so many guys that would destroy her’. 

In another since-deleted video, KSI spoke about wanting to have sex with a co-star’s sister.

‘I want to explore her p***y. She’s going to watch this and be like, “I need a bit of black d**k”,’ he said.

KSI, whose initials represent Knowledge, Strength, and Integrity, has also been condemned by the End Violence Against Women coalition.

They slammed his ‘rape face’ videos, as he called them. These videos featured KSI making sexually suggestive gestures with a menacing look on his face.

Just last year, he uploaded a challenge video inspired by Channel 4’s Countdown in which he spelt out the racist term ‘P**i’.

BBC presenter Bobby Friction criticised it at the time, writing online: ‘I had this racial slur thrown at me… for my entire childhood. Genuinely upset that KSI (a guy my children love) did this & thought it was funny.’ 

KSI later apologised and previously spoke candidly about his regrets, saying of his past: ‘Sometimes the biggest mistakes we make are our greatest lessons.’

He also said at the time: ‘There are no excuses for what I said, and I recognise that my actions have caused hurt and disappointment to many people.

‘My ignorance and insensitivity have only reinforced the negative stereotypes and prejudices that have existed for far too long.

‘I want to express my heartfelt regret for my actions, and I want you to know that I am genuinely ashamed and deeply sorry for any pain or suffering I have caused.

‘I realise that my words have consequences, and as a public figure, I have a responsibility to use my platform for good, rather than perpetuating hate or discrimination.’

It’s now understood by that KSIunderstands the harm his words caused, as a source close to him said: ‘KSI understands that words have consequences, and he has demonstrated through his actions he is dedicated to making amends and using his platform for good.

‘In the last year alone, his influence, charity work, and commitment to self-improvement provide clear evidence that he has learned from his mistakes and is working to be a force for positive change.’

The insider added: ‘He has owned his mistakes and continues to strive to do better and be better.

‘Those close to him know him to be the kindest, most supportive, charitable, and generous young man who always wants to use his fame to help others.’

Part of KSI’s charity work involved collaborating with the Anthony Walker Foundation. Then, in 2023, of his own accord, he sought out Imam Muhammed Asim Hussain, visiting a mosque in Bradford to better understand the gravity of his mistakes.

As production for the new series of the hit talent show gets underway, KSI has spoken about what he hopes to bring to screens.

What do you think about KSI joining BGT?Comment Now

After his role was revealed, audience members claimed he was causing mayhem on set, particularly with kids.

Appearing on Amanda’s Heart breakfast show, KSI teased he would be a BGT ‘villain’.

‘I’ve kicked Bruno out, and I’m taking his place! Actually, he’s coming back, but I’m there for a little bit. Yeah, it’s going to be fun, man. I’m going to judge some talent,’ he said.

ITV has been contacted for comment.