Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington is contemplating taking legal action against the BBC after the review of her complaints against dance partner Giovanni Pernice. Abbington, known for her role in Sherlock, withdrew from the BBC One show last year due to “personal reasons” and later spoke out about experiencing a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”. The BBC review, published recently, “upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made” against Pernice. Abbington revealed that there are still unresolved issues from the 30-page report that she and her legal team are reviewing.
During an appearance on BBC Newsnight, Abbington mentioned that there was a “significant reason” behind some of the allegations not being upheld and stated that her team would further investigate this matter. When asked about the possibility of suing the BBC, Abbington shared that she is seeking guidance from her lawyer, who has been incredibly supportive throughout. She emphasised the importance of her lawyer’s advice in assessing the situation daily. Abbington expressed concern about the misinformation circulating post the BBC report, indicating that the seriousness of the case had been downplayed.
The BBC previously apologised to Abbington for the incidents and appreciated her coming forward. A spokesperson for Pernice welcomed the review’s outcome, affirming that there was no evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Pernice. Pernice has consistently denied the allegations. Following her complaints, Abbington received support from numerous women who commended her for standing up against workplace issues. Despite the challenges faced, Abbington reiterated her love for Strictly and clarified her intentions were not to cause disruption but to address upsetting experiences that needed to cease.
The investigation into Abbington’s complaints regarding Pernice was initiated earlier this year. Representatives for the BBC and Pernice have been contacted for further comments on the matter. Abbington’s revelations have sparked a conversation around workplace behaviour and accountability within the entertainment industry. The complexities of addressing such issues and the importance of taking a stand against mistreatment have been highlighted through Abbington’s journey.
As the situation unfolds, Abbington’s courage in speaking out serves as a reminder of the significance of advocating for a safe and respectful work environment for all individuals involved in the industry. The impact of addressing workplace concerns and seeking justice resonates beyond personal experiences, shedding light on the need for comprehensive protocols and accountability measures within organisations like the BBC. The ongoing discussions sparked by Abbington’s case underline the continuous efforts towards ensuring a culture of professionalism and dignity in workplaces.