Comments that Giovanni Pernice allegedly made to Amanda Abbington have reportedly been exposed (Picture: PA)
Comments that Giovanni Pernice allegedly made to Amanda Abbington have reportedly been exposed, following the BBC’s investigation into the Strictly Come Dancing scandal.
The verdict from the investigation was confirmed yesterday, with the broadcaster issuing an apology to Abbington, 50, and upholding some of her complaints against Pernice, 33, but clearing him of the most serious allegations, with him later telling fans how ‘happy’ he was for it all to be ‘over’.
The actress pulled out of the BBC One show last year citing ‘personal reasons’, and later claimed she was subject to a ‘toxic environment’ and ‘inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying’, sparking the investigation.
There were no findings relating to physical aggression in the investigation, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, it is understood.
It has now been claimed that six complaints were upheld by the corporation , including one in which Pernice allegedly told Abbington: ‘You have talent and you’re not using it.’
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According to MailOnline, Pernice was allegedly ‘swearing and using what could be described as belittling language,’ with the report apparently stating that it amounted to bullying behaviour.
He also allegedly said: ‘I’m tired of it, if you want to look s*** I don’t care.’
It is reported that Abbington’s complaint that Pernice would get frustrated with her while teaching was also upheld, and allegedly included him saying: ‘You have such talent and you’re not using it.’
It’s also claimed he told her, ‘I don’t know how to ask you anymore,’ and ‘it has been four days now and I don’t know what to do’.
The publication also claims that two complaints of a sexual nature were upheld, one of which allegedly saw Pernice ‘grab his crotch’ and make a lewd remark.
It’s also claimed that he told Abbington that he ‘wanted to f*** her’, after she successfully rehearsed a move during training and he was thrilled.
In a statement published on Monday after the verdict was announced, 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’.
‘We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made,’ the statement read.
‘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.’
The statement added that …read more
Source:: Metro
