‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Bullying Scandal: BBC Apologizes To Amanda Abbington & Partially Upholds ‘Sherlock’ Star’s Complaints
The BBC has apologized to Amanda Abbington after the Sherlock actress claimed that she was bullied by her Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice on last year’s show.
The British broadcaster has concluded a months-long investigation into Abbington’s complaints and, in a ruling announced on Monday, partially upheld some of her concerns.
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In a statement, the BBC said: “We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. 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.”
The BBC was not specific about what complaints had been upheld and it is unlikely to say more because of its confidentiality policies.
Pernice has consistently denied wrongdoing and in a statement on Monday, his representatives said the review found no evidence of “threatening or abusive” behavior.
Abbington has not been specific about her allegations, but has called her Italian dance partner “nasty” and accused him of inappropriate, bullying behavior during her five weeks on Strictly. In an interview in July, she alleged that she experienced “aggressive” verbal behavior and was made to feel as if she was “not doing a good job.”
The BBC acknowledged that it did not do enough to address Abbington’s concerns during the making of Season 21 of Strictly Come Dancing, known as Dancing With The Stars in America.
“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 said.
In a statement, Abbington welcomed the BBC’s apology and said she had been vindicated. She is now considering whether to accept a meeting with senior management.
“This apology means a great deal to me. So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were ‘not enough,'” she said. “What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.”
Abbington abruptly quit Season 21 of Strictly last October citing “personal reasons.” She later engaged Carter Ruck, the aggressive London law firm, to pursue a complaint with the BBC about Pernice’s training methods.
Other women are also said to have concerns about Pernice, including presenters Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh, who were partnered with the dancer in previous seasons. The BBC acknowledged it “heard from a number of individuals” during its investigation and thanked them for participating.
Pernice strongly denied wrongdoing and cooperated with the BBC investigation, but was benched for Season 22. His manager has been contacted for comment.
Abbington’s claims were followed by a separate allegation from Love Island star Zara McDermott, who handed the BBC video evidence of her being kicked by partner Graziano Di Prima. The professional dancer did not recall the specific incident but acknowledged it happened and apologized. He was fired by the BBC.
Season 22 of Strictly Come Dancing is underway in the UK, with the BBC introducing new welfare measures for contestants, including training room chaperones. Other measures include weekly welfare meetings and workshops for the production crew.
Abbington has received rape and murder threats since going public with her concerns, but said she did not regret coming forward.
“Today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint,” she said. “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.”
In a statement, Pernice’s representatives 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.”
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