Britain’s Got Talent Faces Backlash After Controversial Crossbow Prank
Britain’s Got Talent has come under fire following a controversial prank involving judges Simon Cowell and Bruno Tonioli — prompting outrage from viewers and calls for a boycott.
During a recent audition in Manchester, Bruno Tonioli, while blindfolded, appeared to fire a crossbow at Simon Cowell, causing the music mogul to dramatically collapse on stage. The medical team rushed in, and for a moment, the stunned audience believed it was a real and serious accident — especially given BGT’s reputation for dangerous stunts.
However, it was later revealed to be a staged prank designed to shock and entertain. Many viewers, once in on the joke, were far from amused.
Laura Sugden, a real-life survivor of a crossbow attack, slammed the stunt in The Sun, calling it “disgraceful” and deeply insensitive. “Crossbows aren’t banned, but they are deadly weapons,” she said. “I can’t believe that was allowed on such a big show.”
Social media was flooded with criticism, with many accusing the show of using a tasteless and potentially triggering act just to generate buzz. Some viewers vowed to boycott the upcoming season, expressing disappointment in both Cowell and Tonioli.
Under growing public pressure, a spokesperson for the show insisted the skit was intended as harmless fun: “It was just a light-hearted moment between the judges. We didn’t mean to cause any offence.”
The prank adds to the drama of the new season, set to air in April. This year, choreographer Bruno Tonioli joined the judging panel, replacing comedian David Walliams. Fellow judge Amanda Holden joked, “If Bruno keeps this up, Simon might have to write a whole book on the rules of BGT.”
Despite the explanation, the prank has sparked a broader conversation about what’s appropriate for family TV — and where entertainment should draw the line.
