The BBC has announced that it has received more than 500 complaints about a Black Lives Matter tribute during this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks.
The network decided to dedicate its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display to the Black Lives Matter movement — and of course, for some viewers, it was all too much for them to bear.
According to The Independent, details of the complaints were contained in the latest fortnightly complaints report published by the broadcaster’s internal regulator. 2,797 objections were lodged against the BBC between 21 December and 3 January, including 500 complainants who expressed that they were “unhappy the New Year Firework display referenced ‘Black Lives Matter’.”
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the celebration had to be reformatted to adhere to restrictions. The country is currently under lockdown following a recent spike in cases.
For the display, drones formed a giant 2021 and a Black Lives Matter fist beside London’s 02 Arena.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan celebrated the display via Twitter, stating, “our New Years Eve show just sent a loud, proud message to the world: London stands together against racism – tonight and always. #BlackLivesMatter”.
Black Lives Matter protests were sparked globally in 2020 following the police killing of unarmed Black man George Floyd in May.
The global community was horrified by the now-viral video of Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin, kneeling on his neck for almost nine minutes. He was arrested for allegedly using a counterfeit $20 bill.
Protests in the UK took place in several major cities including, London, Manchester, Cardiff, Nottingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Bristol, Southampton, Newcastle, Norwich and Leicester.
