‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Apologizes After Abuse Investigation
In dance competitions, injuries often happen. This is typically why a contestant would voluntarily withdraw from the competition. When Amanda Abbington withdrew from the show in Series 21, many Strictly Come Dancing fans felt concerned this was the reason. However, it seems the situation had to do more with her poor treatment.
After withdrawing just a few weeks into the competition, Abbington went on to accuse her partner Giovanni Pernice of “abusive, cruel, and mean” behavior behind the scenes. BBC launched an investigation and has now come forward with the results.
Strictly Come Dancing & BBC Formally Apologize To Amanda Abbington
After the allegations against Giovanni Pernice came out, The Sun reported he quit the show.
“Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start,” a source reportedly told the publication. “… He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age.”
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According to the investigations from the BBC, there seems to be truth to the allegations Amanda Abbington made.
“We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made,” BBC shared with PEOPLE in an official statement. “We want to apologize to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.”
“We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken,” the network continued.
“Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards. While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience. It is a great shame if this hasn’t been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show.”
The Dance Competition Faces Other Abuse Allegations
Although the allegations against Giovanni Pernice are shocking, this isn’t the only scandal rocking Strictly Come Dancing at the moment.
Graziano di Prima also parted ways with Strictly after allegedly kicking his Series 21 partner, Zara McDermott. Initially, di Prima apologized for any misconduct. However, he later deleted his apology from Instagram and maintained his innocence.
Former Dancing With The Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev also previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing. Amid his recent domestic violence arrest, allegations from one of his former celebrity partners reemerged.
“[Chigvintsev] would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me,” Fern Britton told The Huffington Post UK. “He was like, ‘Shut your face. Go home before I kill you.’ I would say, ‘Oh please just kill me, it would be easier.’ Or what was his other one? ‘If you go for a cup of tea now, I will blow off like an atomic bomb.’ I thought, well I won’t correct him on that one.”
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