Giovanni Pernice Challenges Bullying Allegations Amid Strictly Come Dancing Controversy
Recent findings of BBC investigation reveal both sides of the Strictly scandal
Giovanni Pernice, once celebrated as one of the standout professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing, finds himself at the center of controversy following serious allegations made by his former dance partner, Amanda Abbington. The initial claims included accusations of bullying, verbal abuse, and other forms of misconduct during their time on the show, leading to his withdrawal from this year’s season and subsequent investigation by the BBC.
Having spent nine years dazzling audiences with his dance prowess, Pernice faced significant scrutiny after Abbington, known for her role on Sherlock, made formal complaints about his conduct, alleging not only bullying but also inappropriate remarks. The BBC investigation, which reportedly cost around £250,000, aimed to address these complaints seriously, as reported by several outlets.
During his first television appearance since the findings were released, Pernice appeared on Lorraine, hosted by Christine Lampard, where he asserted his innocence and labeled the bullying allegations as exaggerated. “I am not a bully,” he stated firmly, emphasizing, “the investigation didn't find me to be one.” He expressed relief over the findings, which upheld only six of the seventeen complaints against him, mainly involving verbal abuse, but cleared him of the more serious allegations.
Pernice described himself as “a strict teacher,” admitting, “I care about my job. I'm very, very, very competitive. I've won the glitterball before,” indicating his drive to push his partners to achieve excellence. He denied ever having any direct confrontations with Abbington, claiming they had not shared arguments or unresolved tensions during their rehearsals. He conveyed his surprise when he was made aware of the formal complaints, explaining, “I only knew she was unhappy when I saw the reports.”
The dancer revealed the last conversation he had with Abbington before her exit from the show, recounting how she informed him of health concerns stemming from her discovery of lumps during rehearsals. Pernice took immediate action, reaching out to help arrange medical appointments, which he said marked their final interaction.
Reflecting on the angst surrounding the investigation, Pernice mentioned, "It's been difficult to read every day things about myself which are simply not true and not be able to talk because we were asked to maintain confidentiality." He regretted the experience of being cast negatively through the media, causing distress not only to himself but also to his family who had to confront rumors of bullying.
The BBC expressed their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants on Strictly Come Dancing. Following the investigation, they issued an apology to Abbington, thanking her for coming forward and acknowledging the struggles she faced during her time on the show. Abbington had previously stated she was suffering from PTSD as a result of her experience on Strictly, which lasted just four weeks before she withdrew due to health issues exacerbated by bullying allegations.
The report concluded with the BBC acknowledging the necessity for changes within their protocols to maintain the emotional and psychological well-being of all participants. New duty of care measures were introduced, including continuous observer presence during rehearsals and the appointment of dedicated welfare staff.
Pernice, still engaged with dance, now participates in the Italian version of Strictly and hints at possible plans for the future. Although he remains focused on current projects, he does not rule out returning to the UK show one day. “You never say never,” he remarked. Meanwhile, he expressed disappointment over the allegations and noted he had spent time with Abbington, claiming they had a friendly working relationship and hoped to discuss the incident over tea someday.
Despite Pernice's declarations of innocence, Abbington has not backed down from her claims. She described her experience during the show as “morbid and toxic” and her previous statements indicate she may not have fully healed from the ordeal. Since the investigation's conclusion, she has appeared on multiple platforms to discuss the challenges she faced. Her testimony has brought attention to the treatment of contestants and concerns about the show’s behind-the-scenes culture.
The scandal surrounding Strictly Come Dancing extends beyond just these two individuals. Other former contestants have come forward with their own allegations, fostering discussions about workplace conduct and standards within the entertainment industry. Earlier this year, other dancers encountered similar issues on set leading to significant changes being implemented.
Giovanni Pernice’s return to the spotlight after controversy reflects the complexity of perceptions surrounding reality competitions, where performance pressure can often blur boundaries. Although he stands by his practices as necessary for success, the sensitive nature of allegations persists, necessitating both self-reflection and institutional reform from the beloved series.
Whether the future will see Giovanni Pernice reclaim his seat as one of the key figures on Strictly Come Dancing remains uncertain. The dalliance between performance excellence and emotional wellness continues to present challenges, urging all involved to reassess the cost of ambition on such high-profile platforms.
