BBC apologises to Amanda Abbington as Strictly bullying report released

BBC apologises to Amanda Abbington as Strictly bullying report released

As a seasoned movie buff with a keen eye for behind-the-scenes drama, I must say that this latest turn of events in the Strictly Come Dancing saga is nothing short of captivating. The BBC’s apology to Amanda Abbington, while long overdue, seems like a step in the right direction towards fostering a more positive and inclusive environment on the show.


The BBC has offered an apology to Amanda Abbington, following their examination of allegations she had raised against ex-Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice.

According to BBC News reports, I’ve learned that instances of verbal bullying and harassment were substantiated, but allegations of physical assault and menacing actions were not found to be true.

In her perspective, Abbington viewed the apology as a validation of her accusations. On the other hand, a representative for Pernice expressed satisfaction that the report did not discover any signs of aggressive or harmful conduct on his part.

After thoroughly investigating the concerns raised, the BBC’s statement explained that they treat any accusations of bullying or harassment with utmost gravity. The comprehensive review required careful handling because of its intricate details and their commitment to carrying out a meticulous and thorough examination.

Strictly Come Dancing prides itself on being a family-friendly program with top-notch quality. Although competition may be challenging, tough, and demanding, our goal is to make it an enjoyable and life-changing experience. It’s unfortunate when not everyone who has been on the show has had that experience.

As a movie enthusiast, I’ve been through the feedback and addressed some concerns, but not all. I’d like to extend my sincere apologies to Amanda Abbington for her courage in speaking up and contributing to our discussions. I understand that this was not an easy step for her to take.

Initially, our production team made efforts to resolve the problems they identified, but unfortunately, those actions fell short. This underscores the significance of the additional precautions we’ve implemented to bolster our current guidelines even further.

In conducting our research, we received valuable input from several people. We’re grateful for their cooperation. To ensure the well-being of everyone involved in our program, the BBC has already implemented numerous measures to strengthen our commitment. A detailed account of these measures can be found accompanying this statement.

BBC apologises to Amanda Abbington as Strictly bullying report released

Simultaneously, Abbington expressed in a declaration: “Just as the BBC stated today, it wasn’t simple or effortless for me to step forward and report Giovanni Pernice’s behavior toward me.

Since reaching out to the BBC, I’ve faced accusations of lying, causing trouble, and being ‘crazy and unstable’. Additionally, I’ve received threats of rape, murder, and even a bomb threat at my workplace. Regrettably, my family and children have also been targeted with threats and intimidation.

Even though I faced such reprehensible mistreatment, I’ve never once wished I hadn’t spoken up, and the apology from the BBC today validates my initial complaint. This validation isn’t just for me, it’s also for others who reached out to me after my complaint, sharing their own concerns about Strictly Come Dancing. I hope that those who hesitated to speak out before will now feel more empowered, knowing they will be heard and believed.

I’ve been asked by the BBC for a meeting with upper management, which is something I’m pondering over now. This apology carries significant weight for me. Similarly, it matters greatly that the BBC recognizes that the measures implemented to assist and safeguard me and previous contestants were found insufficient.

The crucial point is that the necessary lessons have been grasped, and the BBC fulfills their pledged adjustments, so no one else endures the same hardship as myself and others in similar situations.

In line with our commitment to ensure safety, the BBC and BBC Studios emphasize that they prioritize duty of care greatly. They strive to make the Strictly show an enjoyable and beneficial experience for all participants.

On Strictly, we frequently assess and update our assistance and care systems annually, ensuring they continue to meet your needs.

Beginning in July, we implemented fresh guidelines for training and rehearsals, effective for this year’s performance. These changes encompassed:

Moreover, we added fifteen individuals as observation participants for rehearsals. Each day, they fill out a log detailing activities such as breaks, warm-ups, and resting times.

 

Actress Amanda Abbington, who played Sherlock’s partner on screen, claimed that Pernice behaved in a manner that was “unnecessary, harsh, unkind,” and “unfair” during their rehearsals. However, Pernice has repeatedly refuted any accusations of “abusive or intimidating conduct” towards his past dance partners, stating emphatically that the allegations were “completely false.

In a post on Instagram last June, Pernice stated: “You’re aware that I’ve never agreed with any allegation of abusive or menacing conduct. These recent claims are entirely untrue. I’m fully cooperating with the current BBC inquiry, which will uncover the facts.

At your request, I’ve kept quiet so far. I eagerly await the end of the investigation, hoping that it will vindicate me, reveal the truth, and put all doubts to rest.

Strictly Come Dancing 2024 continues every Saturday night on BBC One and iPlayer.

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2024-09-30 16:04