Giovanni Pernice has reportedly hired a defence lawyer to help clear his name.
The 33-year-old dancer is currently under fire following allegations that he mistreated some of his celebrity partners on Strictly Come Dancing. He is currently under “investigation” with the BBC who are “fully cooperating” due to allegations about his behaviour, reportedly with two celebrities making claims about his conduct, including Amanda Abbington.
A spokesman for Giovanni confirmed in a statement that Schillings, a legal team that has represented the likes of JK Rowling, Brad Pitt, Naomi Campbell and Liz Hurley, will be taking on his case. Giovanni’s spokesperson also confirmed for the first time that the BBC was investigating the matter.
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The statement read: “Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process. As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.”
(Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Giovanni has always said that he never displayed “abusive or threatening” behaviour towards his partners. And more recently his sister Angela also spoke out in his defence.
Speaking to the MailOnline, Angela explained that she and her family will always back Giovanni and “nothing will change that”. The pro-dancer’s sister said: “Giovanni will always have our support, he is family and there’s nothing else to say.”
(Image: BBC/Ray Burmiston)
Angela added: “The whole family is behind him, mum, dad, me and everyone else, whatever he says is the truth and we support him with all our strength. We are 100% behind him and nothing will change that.”
An investigation into the the Strictly star’s behaviour was first launched, after his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington allegedly told friends Gio had been “abrasive” towards her in rehearsals. The actress claims she then had to quit the show on medical grounds after suffering from mild PTSD.
(Image: Getty Images)
Further claims emerged, with former Lover Island host Laura Whitmore speaking out about a similar experience with the pro dancer back in 2016. She said: “I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with – and in the end I felt broken, I cried every day. And I really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.”
According to The Sun, a source claimed that 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis “believes what others are saying” about Giovanni, despite her having a “really great experience” with Giovanni. A source told the publication: “Rose is finding the whole situation really tough [… she] is really shocked by it all.
(Image: Getty Images for Zumba)
“She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won’t be speaking about it publicly.” Meanwhile, Giovanni took to social media with a statement to defend himself.
His update said: “You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.”
Daily Star has previously contacted Giovanni’s representatives for comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
