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Privacy NoticeAmanda Abbington has released a statement after the release of a BBC report that ruled Giovanni Pernice did not behave “inappropriately” towards his Strictly Come Dancing partners – but did uphold some of her complaints. Amanda pulled out of the show last year claiming there was a “toxic environment” and “inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying”. The findings of the investigation into alleged misconduct by the former Strictly dancer, 33, were released today after an investigation lasting six months which concluded that the pro dancer was not abusive, threatening or intimidating. However, the BBC did offer an apology which said: “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.”
Giovanni and Amanda performing on Strictly before she quit last year
(Image: PA)
While complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, claims of physical aggression were not, BBC News has reported. Out of 17 allegations, they are thought to have upheld six, some of which involved Giovanni using swear words. Amanda released a powerful statement shortly after the ruling, saying she had been “vindicated” after having to put up with being called “mad”, “unstable” and even suffered bomb and rape threats and seen her children threatened. She wrote: “As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do. In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being “mad and unstable”. “I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work. My family and children have also 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 not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences onStrictly Come Dancing. “I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed. The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering.” Amanda, 50, went on: “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 now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.” Sign up to OK!’s daily newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for freeStory SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnGiovanni PerniceStrictly Come Dancing
