The sister of Giovanni Pernice has defended the dancer following allegations that he mistreated his celebrity partners on Strictly Come Dancing.
The 33-year-old dancer is at the centre of the drama this week. It’s said that he’s under a so-called “investigation” by the BBC due to allegations about his behaviour, reportedly from two other celebs, including Amanda Abbington.
Giovanni himself has shut down claims that he displayed “abusive or threatening” behaviour towards his partners. And now his sister Angela has come to his defence.
READ MORE: Craig Revel Horwood says he wouldn’t leave Strictly amid Giovanni Pernice exit rumours
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She claimed she and her family will always support Giovanni and that “nothing will change that”. She told MailOnline: ‘Giovanni will always have our support, he is family and there’s nothing else to say.
“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 percent behind him and nothing will change that.’
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.
(Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
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.”
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.
(Image: BBC)
“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 hit back at the allegations himself on social media. 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.
“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
