Giovanni Pernice doesn’t seem to be able to escape the accusations this week, as one of his former colleagues has alleged he did “horrendous things” to her.
Professional dancer Korina Travis, 29, performed with Giovanni at various private functions, and the pair were snapped together on the dance floor as partners. Korina was later considered as a pro on Strictly herself, but lost out in 2016 to Chloe Hewitt.
Now she has told The Sun: “I’ve known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me. I will not speak about my experiences with him but I’m glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is. I’ll leave it at that.”
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Korina now works for ballroom company Burn the Floor, alongside dozens of former Strictly stars.
(Image: Instagram/ @korinachka)
It comes after an investigation was launched into the pro’s behaviour on set, after his 2023 partner Amanda Abbington allegedly told friends Gio was “abrasive” in rehearsals. She claims she was left suffering from a mild form of PTSD after quitting the show on medical grounds.
Ex Love Island host Laura Whitmore claims she had a similar experience, saying in 2016: “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.”
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Sources claimed to The Sun that even 2021 winner Rose Ayling-Ellis “believes what others are saying” about her former partner, despite having a “really great experience” with Giovanni. A source claimed: “Rose is finding the whole situation really tough [… she] is really shocked by it all.
“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.” Rose has remained silent on social media about Giovanni so far – but sources claim she is “distancing” herself.
Giovanni, meanwhile, has issued a statement which says he is “looking forward to clearing his name”. He wrote: “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.
(Image: korinachka/Instagram)
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“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 contacted Giovanni’s representatives for comment.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
