Fired ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Star Breaks Silence Over Scandal
Former Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima is speaking out weeks after parting ways with the show amid a violent behind-the-scenes scandal. Although he previously apologized for the incident, his new statement paints a different picture of events.
Graziano Di Prima Alleges He Was Never Violent On Strictly Come Dancing
As many Strictly fans know, Graziano Di Prima is out after reportedly kicking his Series 21 dance partner, Love Island star Zara McDermott.
“There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right,” Di Prima’s representative told BBC at the time. “He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.”
But now, it seems like the dancer might be walking back his public apology. Di Prima also issued a public apology on Instagram at the time, taking ownership of the situation. However, he has since deleted the post.
In a new interview, he denies ever having a violent outburst on set and attempts to downplay the situation.
“Those rehearsals were nine months ago. I can be strict, I can be passionate. I want my partner to go as far as they can. She wanted that, too,” the former Strictly star told The Daily Mail. “You can’t imagine how many times my mind has been going back and forward trying to think of something that happened all those months ago that I can’t figure out.”
Di Prima went on to admit he did kick the floor in frustration. He was starting to feel the pressure and intensity of the competition and let himself go in a moment of frustration. However, other reports indicate he kicked Zara McDermott instead.
“I wasn’t meaning to kick her. I’d never, never do that. My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor,” Di Prima claimed. “Afterwards I hugged her and said I was sorry. There was no problem. We carried on.”
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The Incident Will Likely Increase Security Measures On DWTS
As for Zara McDermott, she rewatched the footage of the incident and found it “incredibly distressing.” But even so, Di Prima doubles down on his point of view and says he was never violent on the set of Strictly Come Dancing.
“These vile, false allegations ruined my life in a matter of minutes — professionally, financially, psychologically and reputationally,” he told The Daily Mail.
Now, many think that this will have trickle-down effects on Strictly’s spin-off shows, including Dancing With The Stars in the United States. Billy Ray Cyrus reportedly kicked a crew member in Season 4. These incidents apparently aren’t at all isolated.
Reports indicate that DWTS plans to enhance security amid the scandal across the pond. In order to ensure that all dancers and contestants remain safe, that’s probably the wisest move.
Follow TV Shows Ace online for more updates on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With The Stars.
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