Giovanni Pernice has issued a statement after claims that he exhibited ‘abusive or threatening behaviour’ while working on Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer’s message comes after it was reported that the BBC programme had launched an investigation after three former contestants allegedly instructed lawyers.
It was said that the BBC was in the process of ‘evidence gathering’, after it was claimed that three of his former Strictly partners – Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh – met to ‘compare notes’ about their experiences with him on the show.
In a statement posted on Instagram, Giovanni wrote: ‘To my dear fans, You will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
‘Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.’
The 33-year-old continued: ‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive. No-one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me.
‘I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be. This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win – for me and my dance partners.’
He concluded his message by writing: ‘ Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.’
According to The Sun, a spokesperson for law firm Carter Ruck said: ‘There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering.
‘As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage.’
A source added to the publication that ‘these are troubled times for the BBC – this is a nightmare situation, frankly’.
The insider stated that ‘rumblings have been going on for months about allegations surrounding his behaviour but they steadfastly declined to launch any kind of investigation’.
It’s been claimed that ‘action was taken’ by the broadcaster when three contestants ‘complained’ after allegedly feeling ‘deeply traumatised and upset by some of his training methods and behaviour’.
Italian dancer Giovanni has been on Strictly since 2015, partnering with celebrities including Georgia May Foote, Faye Tozer and Rose Ayling-Ellis.
According to a report in The Sun, it’s been alleged that Mr Selfridge actress Amanda – who quit the 2024 series of Strictly – would be ‘bruised’ after training with Giovanni for the competition.
‘Amanda had a terrible experience with Gio,’ a source said.
‘She felt his behaviour was bullying and abrasive. She would be in tears as communication between them broke down. She tried every avenue to try and make it work.’
It was alleged at the start of this year that Amanda, 52, had sought legal advice and had requested video footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni.
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