Ex-Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence on new claims made by Amanda Abbington.
The Italian dancer, 33, has been placed at the heart of an ongoing investigation into the BBC show after Amanda made claims he had been “abusive” towards her during training – he denies all wrongdoing. Abbington, 50, was so exhausted by her time on the show that she left the series after five weeks.
In a new interview which aired on Channel 4 News with Krishnan-Guru Murthy on Wednesday (July 24), the Sherlock actress said the process left her being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. She added that BBC bosses had installed cameras in the training room, but were refusing to release over 50 hours of rehearsal footage.
READ MORE: BBC apologises over Strictly scandal as boss admits ‘line should never be crossed’
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Amanda alleged some of her “bullying” and “aggressive” behaviour on the show and that some of it was of a sexual nature. She said of the footage: “It’s out there. There is evidence out there of what happened in that room and I’m not the one who’s blocking it. I’ve said anyone can watch it, but he (Giovanni) doesn’t want anyone to see it, which is quite telling if he’s got nothing to hide.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Giovanni has spoken out following the interview, urging fans to ignore Amanda’s “defamatory” claims. A statement from his spokesperson said: “We would urge people to wait for the review’s conclusion and not to pay heed to these very serious and defamatory allegations that have no evidence in support of them.”
The spokesperson went on to say that Giovanni strongly denies any claims of “threatening or abusive behaviour” being made against him. Gio has already reportedly instructed a top legal firm to defend him in any current or future claims being made against him.
(Image: PA)
She told Guru-Murthy of her Strictly experience: “Yes, it’s bullying and it’s aggressive behaviour, there were other things that were very upsetting, that you manage in the room at the time, because you’re a woman, and you have to manage those things because otherwise, what do you do?”
Following the broadcast of the interview, the BBC gave a statement, urging people not to get mired in speculation and to let the investigation be carried out properly. “Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further on individuals,” they explained.
“However, when issues are raised with us we always take them extremely seriously and have appropriate processes in place to manage this. As we have said before, we would urge people not to indulge in speculation.”
The BBC ended their statement by reassuring the public and the parties involved that they take their duty of care “extremely seriously”. It ended by saying that further measures of safety will be introduced for this upcoming series, referring to the announcement of chaperones in the rehearsal studio.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
