Amanda Abbington has finally spoken out on her feud with Giovanni Pernice – brutally branding him “nasty and awful”.
Strictly pro dancer Giovanni, 33, is battling allegations of “threatening and abusive” behaviour in the training room at Strictly – which Giovanni strongly denies.
The BBC is said to have launched an internal investigation after receiving complaints from his previous dance partners on the show.
Including TV presenter Laura Whitmore and actress, Amanda, who claims she was left with PTSD after her time on Strictly last year.
Last week, it was reported that Giovanni’s team had insisted that he was the one to request the BBC to record their rehearsals as he had grown concerned about Amanda’s behaviour.
However, she has since vehemently denied the claims to Mail+.
Insisiting that the claims were wrong, it is reported Amanda, 55, hit back: “I asked for them to be recorded, it was me. Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.” She is then said to have spoken about how badly her life had been impacted by the ongoing feud.
“You don’t understand how awful this all is,” she said. “Giovanni’s fans have started trolling me now. I have had to come off social media and I’m getting death threats.”
She added: “All of this because I didn’t enjoy a television programme. I didn’t enjoy it because of all of this.”
The BBC have since released a statement amid wide reporting regarding the show and the pro dancer. Discussing their duty of care, the statement did not name Strictly or Giovanni but referenced complaints made about a high profile series.
The statement read: “It is a longstanding position that the BBC does not comment on specific matters related to individuals. Nor ordinarily, would we comment on whether we are reviewing any individual complaints.
“Recently, we have seen a number of media reports about a high profile show. We would urge people not to indulge in speculation. Anyone involved in a complaint has a right to confidentiality and fair process.
“If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken. This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint – that applies to those that have raised the complaint and to those that have been complained about.
“Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many of those who have taken part, we will always look at any issues raised with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned. We will not be commenting further.”
As said the statement does not refer to the show nor the pro dancer, while they add they will not be commenting further on the claims. It comes after weeks of reports linked to the claims made to the broadcasting company, amid reports Giovanni had quit the show last month.
In May, a new claim was made with the pro dancer alleged to have sent an “offensive” clip via WhatsApp to one of his Strictly partners ahead of filming one of the live Saturday night shows. He did not make commission or appear in the video.
A source said: “The BBC was told about the video clip and that someone found the content completely inappropriate, grossly offensive. The BBC was told the celebrity was shocked and upset to receive it on a WhatsApp message, hours before the couple were meant to be dancing together on live television.
“They were told they felt intimidated by it. The women are being incredibly brave in speaking out, especially as a lot of them are going up against vicious messages from his loyal fans,” reports The Sun. Meanwhile, fans of the Strictly star have shown support to him on social media following reports of the allegations emerging, following him speaking out.
While many of Giovanni’s Strictly colleagues have stayed silent following the recent allegations, one of his most-loved partners did show their support. Debbie McGee took to Instagram to show fans that her support for the star has not wavered since the recent allegations.
After Giovanni took social media asking fans to vote for him and Anton Du Beke at the National Television Awards, where they have picked up a nomination for their travel series, Debbie, who was partnered with the Italian in 2017, wrote: “On it” alongside a supportive heart emoji. Giovanni recently spoke publicly to thank people for their support while denying the allegations.
In a statement shared to Instagram, he wrote: “To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week. Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.”
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Source: USA Today
