Giovanni Pernice has been accused of unprofessional behavior during his time on Strictly Come Dancing, but reports suggest that an investigation will clear him of any wrongdoing.
Giovanni has vehemently denied these allegations (Image: Jack Hall/Getty Images)
Giovanni Pernice is expected to be cleared of all wrongdoing by the BBC following an investigation into his behavior towards former Strictly partner Amanda Abbington, reports suggest.
The popular dance show has been mired in controversy for nearly a year following the sudden departure of 50-year-old Amanda and 33-year-old Giovanni last October. Initially, health issues were cited as the reason for their exit, but Amanda later claimed that inappropriate practices during rehearsals led to their departure—a charge Giovanni has consistently denied.
After Amanda’s allegations of mistreatment surfaced, several former contestants and professionals came forward with similar complaints about Giovanni’s conduct. Additionally, fellow dancer Graziano Di Prima was accused of abusive behavior, with allegations that he spat on and kicked his 2023 dance partner, Zara McDermott, during rehearsals.
Both Giovanni and Graziano have since left the show and are working to rebuild their careers and public reputations. Recent reports, however, suggest that Giovanni may soon be cleared of any misconduct in relation to his work with Amanda.
According to the Mail on Sunday, a source stated: “The BBC wanted to exonerate Mr. Pernice because nothing that Amanda said stuck. There was absolutely nothing there to get him on – and, from the messages they saw, the picture was quite the opposite. He had been very supportive of her.”
The report also indicates that Amanda herself expects to lose her case, with the source adding: “Amanda had been telling her friends that she knew Giovanni was not going to be found guilty. It was obviously a huge disappointment for her after investing so many months in her complaint.”
Amanda quit the show just five weeks in after she claims Giovanni was ‘bullying’ her (Image: BBC TV Screengrab)
The article further claims that Giovanni had supported Amanda throughout her time on the show and that a message he sent her, which included video footage with a “sexual theme,” was dismissed as harmless banter.
Despite these developments, the BBC is reportedly in turmoil over the outcome of the investigation, as clearing Giovanni could imply that the corporation did not believe a female celebrity’s claims. The source remarked: “The thought of telling the world that they didn’t believe a woman would go against absolutely every bit of their DNA. Imagine having to imply that a woman is a fantasist. That is just so un-BBC. It is a nightmare, an utter mess.”
The Mirror has reached out to representatives of the BBC and Amanda Abbington for comment. Earlier this year, it was reported that Amanda was seeking access to rehearsal footage that she believed would bolster her case. However, it remains unclear whether the BBC ever shared this footage with her or if it will be made public.
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Source: Los Angeles Times (edited)
