Britain’s Got Talent finalist Nabil Abdulrashid receives racist abuse and death threats after stand-up routine

Comedian’s semi-final act was described as ‘very brave’ by judge Alesha Dixon

Britain’s Got Talent contestant Nabil Abdulrashid has revealed that he received death threats and abuse in the wake of his successful semi-final audition.

Abdulrashid performed stand-up for the fifth semi-final of the popular reality contest, delivering a politically charged routine that had the judges in peels of laughter.

The comedian wrote on social media: “Funny how I made fun of lefties too but so far it’s not them wishing death on me or sending me abuse… hmmm who were the snowflakes again?”

He joked: “I promise to do no jokes about racism or islamophobia in my final if I experience no racism or Islamophobia between now and then.”

During his semi-final audition in the last episode of the ITV reality contest, Abdulrashid touched on topics including racism and police discrimination. 

He began with a riff about being mistaken for grime artist Big Narstie while in a local supermarket, which ended with the line: “Can I go now or am I still being detained officer?”

“So people watching will think it’s one of those Black Lives Matter guys doing about stop and search… no, it’s a joke about being fat,” he said.

“Big Narstie and I are both fat, we just happen to be black so don’t throw in the race card guys. When do black men ever get mistaken for each other, especially not by police, noooo.”

Abdulrashid’s act was praised by the judges, who sent him through into the forthcoming Britain’s Got Talent final.

“I think you’re very brave to take on the subject of racism,” said judge Alesha Dixon, who gave him the Golden Buzzer. “It’s very poignant right now and we all need to learn to laugh a bit more and have a sense of humour.”

Britain’s Got Talent continues on Saturday at 8pm on ITV.