Giovanni Pernice, the Italian professional dancer on Strictly Come Dancing, has been cleared of physical abuse allegations following a probe into complaints made against him. Giovanni expressed his relief and sense of vindication after months of controversy surrounding the allegations. In a social media post, the 34-year-old dancer shared his challenging experience during the investigation, stating that none of the serious allegations against him had been upheld. He emphasised his commitment to bringing out the best in his partner while acknowledging moments of frustration typical in the high-pressure world of dance.
Despite being cleared of physical abuse, other complaints against Giovanni were upheld, including claims of verbal bullying and harassment. The report highlighted instances where Giovanni’s behaviour was deemed belittling towards his partner, with some complaints citing his use of profanity. The BBC apologised to former contestant Amanda Abbington, confirming that while some complaints were upheld, not all were substantiated. The findings revealed that Giovanni’s language and feedback at times crossed into bullying behaviour, although he was cleared of threatening and physically abusive behaviour.
Amanda Abbington, who brought forth the allegations, stated that she had faced backlash and abuse after raising her concerns, but she expressed satisfaction at being vindicated by the BBC’s apology. She shared her hope that others who had similar experiences on Strictly would now feel empowered to speak out. Amanda also acknowledged the need for the BBC to implement changes to prevent similar incidents in the future. The report concluded that Giovanni’s conduct, while not physically abusive, did exhibit behaviour that could be considered bullying.
The investigation into Giovanni Pernice’s conduct shed light on the complexities of the competitive dance world, where emotions can run high. Despite the mixed outcomes of the probe, both Giovanni and Amanda have responded with dignity and grace, highlighting the importance of creating a respectful and supportive environment in all aspects of the entertainment industry.