ITV stand by singer after 260 complaints received about explicit nature of pre-watershed routine
A performance by Lady Gaga on ITV's the X Factor, in which the singer cavorted on stage in flesh-coloured underwear and a bra made out of a pair of shells, has prompted 260 complaints from viewers.
Gaga appeared on the Sunday night results edition of the talent show performing her singles, Do What U Want and Venus.
About 200 viewers complained to media regulator Ofcom about the explicit nature of the performance, broadcast before the 9pm watershed, with another 60 complaints received direct by ITV.
Now in its 10th series, the X Factor is no stranger to generating a little controversy with a scantily-clad performance by a big name female guest singer.
Appearances by Rihanna and Christina Aguilera have generated a flurry of complaints in past series.
In 2011, the dance routines by Rihanna and Aguilera were both cleared of breaching broadcasting rules by Ofcom, but the regulator said they were "at the limit" of acceptability for a pre-watershed broadcast.
Jennifer Lopez's performance in another Simon Cowell-produced talent show on ITV, Britain's Got Talent, earlier this year also prompted complaints, but Ofcom decided not to investigate.
It remains to be seen whether the regulator will decide to launch a formal investigation of Sunday night's performance by Gaga.
An ITV spokeswoman said: "We do not believe Lady Gaga's performance was inappropriate for the family audience of the X Factor Results show, which has an established tradition of featuring performances from the biggest music stars.
"Lady Gaga is well known for her highly individual performance style."