Strictly bosses were reportedly aware of Graziano Di Prima’s alleged abusive behaviour before he was sacked.
Graziano was shockingly cut from the BBC show on Saturday (July 13), following allegations of abuse and bullying of celebrity partner Zara McDermott. This now makes Graziano the second professional to be given the boot from the competition after Giovanni Pernice left due to similar claims.
The discovery of Graziano’s behaviour was made during the investigation into Italian hunk Gio, 33, with the BBC insisting it acted swiftly once footage of the alleged abuse was shown. However, sources close to the show have claimed that bosses at the channel knew about Graziano, 30, beforehand.
READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Graziano Di Prima breaks silence after axe over misconduct allegations
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Sources also said that no serious action had been taken, despite being warned on two separate occasions of Graziano’s behaviour. Of the allegations made against Graziano, it was claimed that the pro dancer had “hit, kicked and spat” at former Love Island star Zara.
A source close to the show told The Sun: “This is a complete mess, and an unmitigated, utterly unprecedented disaster for the BBC. Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable.
“He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud?”
The source went on to claim that Graziano admitted the debacle would not have happened had he been given anger management training from bosses at the BBC. They added that bosses had “absolutely no idea” about kicking Zara, and took “decisive action” as soon as they were notified.
(Image: BBC)
“Graziano is in bits,” the source said. “He is being monitored 24/7 by his wife Giada and mum who has moved in to take care of him.
“This whole Strictly fiasco is getting increasingly toxic. And the BBC finds itself trying to complete an investigation while overseeing duty of care to all.”
It was said that Graziano’s misconduct resulted in his firing from the show just four days after the allegations came to light. The Sicilian has now been sacked for gross misconduct in the workplace.
(Image: Getty Images)
Graziano was due to be competing in this year’s season of the show, but has now been pulled following his sacking. It has since been confirmed that his replacement will be a newcomer and not a face known to viewers.
Following Pernice’s departure from the show earlier this year, it was announced that Slovenian pro Aljaz Skorjanek would be making a return. However, he was brought in to replace Giovanni on the show, as both he and Aljaz are the same height.
Daily Star has approached the BBC for comment.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
