Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice has broken his silence following the released outcome of the BBC probe he was at the centre of.
The 34-year-old left the show earlier this year and is currently taking part in the Italian version of the competition. The 2021 champion was accused of “misconduct” last year by his 2023 celebrity partner, Amanda Abbington.
The BBC launched an investigation months ago which has finally wrapped up and its findings shared on Monday, September 30.
The broadcaster found evidence for “some, but not all” of the Sherlock actress’ claims.
It’s been reported that out of 17 allegations, the BBC upheld six, some of which were for Pernice using swear words.
Following the announcement, the choreographer has released his own statement where he stated he was “pleased” with the findings.
A spokesperson for Pernice said: “We are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni.
“Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season”.
MailOnline reports that sources close to the Sicilian-born dancer expressed how the last year had impacted him.
“Gio tried to find common ground with Amanda all of the time,” they told the publication.
The source continued: “She admitted herself she was difficult, Gio tried his best to navigate this and when she quit for medical reasons he still helped her after that.
“The last nine months have taken their toll on Giovanni, he has kept going though.
“As he says, his Strictly career in the UK might be over but his dancing one isn’t. He will keep going, he has done nothing wrong.
“It all seems such a huge waste of time, it is hard to see what this has all achieved.”
Abbington has also addressed the findings, stating: “As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.
“In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’.
“I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work. My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation.
“Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.
“It’s not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.
“I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.”
The BBC released a statement which read: “The BBC has now concluded its review into the complaints made by Amanda Abbington against Giovanni Pernice.
‘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.
“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.
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“It is a great shame if this hasn’t been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show. We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.
“We want to apologise 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.
“At the time, although the production team took steps to address the issues as they understood them, ultimately these were not enough.
“This is why the measures we have taken to further strengthen our existing protocols are so important.
“The BBC heard from a number of individuals in making its findings. We want to thank them for participating.
“The BBC has already taken extensive steps to enhance our duty of care for everyone on the show and a full note of these steps is published alongside this statement.”
