Originally posted by http://www.guardian.co.uk

Ofcom is investigating whether The X Factor performances of a Lady Gaga song and a Britney Spears impersonator breached its broadcasting code.

The media regulator has launched an investigation into a heavily criticised rendition of Lady Gaga's hit The Edge of Glory by The X Factor contestant Alison Brunton, over fears her two teenage children watching from the wings could be subjected to bullying.

Ofcom will separately investigate the audition performance of Britney Spears impersonator Lorna Bliss which was broadcast before the 9pm watershed on 9 September, looking at whether it breached taste and decency rules.

Brunton, who described herself as sounding like Madonna, stunned judges with her Lady Gaga song on The X Factor which aired on 1 September.

Her children – a 14-year-old girl and 16-year-old boy – were repeatedly shown looking horrified and humiliated by their mother's appearance on the show. Guest judge Mel B described the audition as "horrific".

Ofcom has received 35 complaints about the impact of the audition on Brunton's children, prompting the media regulator to launch an investigation under rules relating to under 18-year-olds appearing in TV shows.

According to section 1 of the Ofcom broadcasting code ITV has a responsibility to take "due care of the physical and emotional welfare and dignity of people under 18 who take part or are otherwise involved in programmes".

ITV has this responsibility regardless of consent given by Brunton for her children to be filmed, with the rule stating that under 18s must not be "caused unnecessary distress or anxiety by their involvement in programmes or by the broadcast of those programmes".

Brunton's appearance raised the possibility of her children facing ridicule and bullying.

A spokeswoman for ITV said: "The X Factor does not include child contestants but takes the welfare of any children featured in the show very seriously. It is a well-established format and contestants regularly bring along their family to support them as Alison did. Footage of family members is only used when appropriate consent has been obtained."

Bliss performed Britney Spears's Till the World Ends in a body stocking and proceeded to thrust and gyrate as well as climbing into judge Louis Walsh's lap and chasing Gary Barlow.

Ofcom received 34 complaints about the explicit nature of the performance, which aired before the 9pm watershed, and has launched an investigation on the grounds of taste and decency and the scheduling of the audition.

The ITV spokeswoman added: "Lorna's performance and its editing was carefully considered by the producers and ITV. We do not believe her routine exceeded generally accepted standards or the expectations of the vast majority of the audience."