Latest Headlines Contact About
Latest TV & Radio News
Strictly Findings
Actress Amanda Abbington has called a BBC apology over complaints of bullying on Strictly Come Dancing a "vindication".
A BBC investigation into Abbington's claims "upheld some, but not all" of her complaints about professional dancer Giovanni Pernice's behaviour during her time on Strictly.
The Sherlock actress, who pulled out of the BBC One show last year citing "personal reasons", later claimed she was subject to a "toxic environment" and "inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying".
While there were no findings relating to physical aggression, it is understood that complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.
Responding to the report, a representative for Pernice said he was "relieved" the BBC report - which has taken six months to complete - found no evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour.
In a statement, Abbington said: "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 50-year-old performer said she will now be considering whether to meet with senior management at the BBC, and hoped the corporation "makes the changes it promised".
Pernice, who did not return to dance on the show this year, said he was "relieved" the BBC review had not found "any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour" by him.
The 34-year-old Italian dancer has previously denied the allegations, and earlier this month announced he was joining the Italian equivalent of Dancing With The Stars, Ballando con le Stelle.
Giovanni Pernice was cleared of using any threatening behaviour. Amanda Abbington is seemingly satisfied with her apology and an admission that the show hadn't supported her enough.
The BBC gets to point once again to its supposedly "robust" duty of care policies - the paperwork of daily record-keeping we're assured that's now in place - which is almost as taxing to keep up with as the show's musical routines.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for Giovanni 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 put to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season."
30 September 2024
Back to the headlines Next Story
Latest Headlines Contact About
Online since 1985