Giovanni Pernice has shared an emotional statement as he awaited the results of a probe into his behaviour by the BBC. His former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Amanda Abbington, made claims of “abusive” behaviour towards her during rehearsals.
As the BBC has been looking into the matter, Italian dancer Giovanni has been back in Rome, competing in Italy’s version of the dance competition. Just hours before the results of the probe were released, at about 2am this morning, the 33-year-old shared an emotional message with his Instagram fans.
He wrote: “You see… I love this kind of feeling… tired but happy! Happy because I feel rewarded and loved!
“Seeing all of your happy faces today at the dance class and read all your messages regarding our first dance give me the strength and motivation I need.
“‘So close and yet so far’ I know you are always there for me and with ! this is just a moment of appreciation to all my fans.”
He signed off, adding: “I see, read, and appreciate all of you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Gio [red love heart]”.
The BBC has today cleared the dancer of “abusive, threatening and intimidating behaviour”, but upheld some of Amanda’s complaints about his verbal conduct towards her.
In their statement, the BBC said it takes allegations of bullying and harassment ‘very seriously’ and that the review into Abbington’s complaints took time because of their complexity, and for ‘a rigorous and robust process’.
They added: “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.”
It continued: “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.”
In a statement released by Gio’s representatives, they said that he is “pleased” with the outcome.
They said: “We are pleased that this six month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni. Gio 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.”
