Laura Whitmore speaks out after Giovanni Pernice cleared in BBC Strictly probe
Giovanni Pernice's ex-Strictly co-star Laura Whitmore has finally spoken out following the conclusions of the Amanda Abbington investigation.
On Sunday evening, the accomplished professional dancer, known for his long-standing tenure on Strictly Come Dancing before stepping down, addressed the public after being absolved from charges made against him on the show.
The Italian dancer took to social media with a message expressing relief that the ordeal is behind him. In an Instagram shared video, the 34-year-old opened up about the challenging past six months, explaining that he couldn't comment earlier "because I wanted to keep the confidentiality and privacy of the review".
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A six-month inquiry into Abbington's accusations ended with the decision that Pernice had not been physically abusive. Yet accusations regarding his verbal behaviour, such as bullying and harassment, were upheld, the Mirror reports.
From a list of 16 complaints lodged against Pernice, the BBC found grounds to endorse six. Among these were instances of Giovanni using profanity. The written report pinpointed moments where the dancer's expressions might come across as 'belittling' towards his dance partner.
Post-release of the investigation's results, the BBC directed an apology towards ex-contestant Amanda Abbington, validating that it recognized "some, but not all, of the complaints made".
Giovanni's previous dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing, Whitmore has now chosen to break her silence on the final verdict. The ex-Love Island presenter, 39, who danced alongside the Italian in 2016, was among those consulted by the BBC during their probe due to her comments on Giovanni's 'inappropriate' actions during their time together on the programme.
Laura disclosed she first voiced her concerns in 2016, and by August 2024, and accused the BBC of 'gaslighting' her regarding her ordeal with the Italian dancer. Following the investigation's outcome, Laura shared on Instagram stories: 'I hope this helps people realise they should not be subjected to abusive behaviour in the workplace.
"Things can be twisted online and there's so much more to this but in black and white there were complaints upheld and an apology made. And the perpetrator no longer works for the channel."
She also offered her support to Amanda, who earlier this year accused Giovanni, aligning with the Sherlock actress by recounting her 'own experience'. On Instagram, she stated: "I was trying not to comment on recent press speculation until the BBC review is complete but feel there is a lot of misinformation in the press and I want to help and show support by setting the record straight.
"I was asked to speak to the BBC along with six people that I know of (who deserve anonymity as they don't want to be dragged through the press), about inappropriate behaviour they experienced similar to mine with the same individual.
"I initially raised concerns back in 2016. I thought my experience was specific to me but I've since learned I was wrong. The aim of this is to show a pattern of behaviour that I believe needs to stop. My evidence is to support other people's experience. It's a shame it takes this for someone to be heard."
The ex-Love Island presenter remarked: "I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won't happen to anyone else again.
"Because I have not made an official complaint, and am providing evidence of my experience to support the investigation, not all the communication will be passed on to all parties involved.
"Misinformation is being put into the press so I want to set the record straight. Victim blaming must stop or we will never get better. I've tried to speak up in the correct way. I know the BBC and all outlets continue to do their best to be better, but for that to happen we must speak up."
Following the conclusion of the investigation, Amanda issued her own statement. She recounted the backlash she faced since lodging the complaints, saying: "I've been accused of 'being a liar, a troublemaker and of being 'mad and unstable'".
She continued: "I've also received rape and murder threats. My family and children have 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 also a vindication for the others who have contacted me to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly. I hope those who have felt unable to speak out will now be more confident that they will be believed. The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering.
"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".
"What matters most is that lessons have been learned and the BBC makes the promised changes, to ensure others don't experience the same ordeal."
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