Graziano Di Prima speaks out about Strictly Come Dancing claims: “I am not a monster”

Graziano Di Prima speaks out about Strictly Come Dancing claims: “I am not a monster”

As a seasoned film enthusiast who has witnessed countless dramas unfold both on and off-screen, I find myself deeply intrigued by this developing saga surrounding Strictly Come Dancing and its former star, Graziano Di Prima. The dance floor has never been a stage for such a public confrontation, and it’s a far cry from the glitz and glamour of the ballroom.


Previously celebrated dancer Graziano Di Prima has broken his silence following his exit from Strictly Come Dancing and addressed accusations leveled against him by a previous dancing partner, Zara McDermott.

Refuting the claims made over the past twenty days, I stand by my assertion as a movie critic that everything stated during this timeframe is utterly false. (The Mail Interview)

“He went on to say, ‘I’ve never encountered situations quite like these before – ones that are both harmful and completely unexpected.'”

He expressed to the publication, “I believed we were companions. We were companions. I’m not some inhuman creature. I’m not a cruel individual. I won’t let these falsehoods shape my identity. They don’t represent who I truly am.”

He added that BBC bosses have refused to give any further details about alleged anonymous complaints from third parties due to the “confidential nature of the circumstances”.

In my own words, Di Prima declared, “Swiftly, these malicious, untrue accusations shattered every aspect of my life – professionally, financially, emotionally, and in terms of reputation. I am firm, I am fervent. I yearn for my companion to reach their full potential. Zara felt the same.”

TopMob has reached out to the BBC and representatives of Zara McDermott for comment.

Graziano Di Prima speaks out about Strictly Come Dancing claims: “I am not a monster”

In the previous month’s disclosure by the BBC, I learned about an unexpected incident that took place during the rehearsals of Strictly Come Dancing last year. It appears that Di Prima, one of the dancers, had a physical altercation with McDermott, another participant. This unfortunate instance, where Di Prima reportedly delivered a single kick, seemingly contributed to McDermott’s eventual departure from the show.

During an interview with The Mail, Di Prima mentioned that her mind keeps fluctuating between the past, trying to recall something from several months ago that remains elusive.

“The only thing I can think of is the time I kicked the floor in frustration. We’d practised hour after hour to perfect a routine with lifts. It wasn’t easy but that’s the pressure of the show.
“I was in pain from lifting her so many times but wanted to get it right. I thought I could save her [from elimination].”
He added: “I wasn’t meaning to kick her. I’d never, never do that. My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor. Afterwards I hugged her and said I was sorry. There was no problem. We carried on.”
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McDermott shared her thoughts regarding her show experience in July, after Di Prima’s unexpected exit from the series, which was initially revealed in the roster of professionals only a few weeks beforehand. This caught many off guard.

McDermott shared that his time on Strictly surpassed all his dreams, as he found the entire crew, those working behind the scenes, and his fellow contestants to be simply fantastic people to collaborate with.

“However, my experience inside the training room was very different. Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.”

Graziano Di Prima speaks out about Strictly Come Dancing claims: “I am not a monster”

She added: “I struggled with the anxiety of revealing myself – I was apprehensive about potential criticism, I was anxious about my prospects, I was worried about being blamed as a victim. However, after numerous heart-to-hearts with people close to me, I mustered the courage to confront these anxieties. When approached by the BBC to share my experiences on their show, I chose to speak honestly and openly.”

As someone who has faced numerous challenges throughout my life and career, I deeply appreciate the prompt and exceptional support from BBC and BBC Studios. Their assistance has been instrumental in helping me navigate through difficult times, and I am truly grateful for their unwavering commitment to my success. Furthermore, I cannot express enough gratitude towards everyone who has reached out to me with words of encouragement and advice. The kindness and understanding shown by all these individuals have not only made a significant impact on my life but also reaffirmed my faith in humanity’s ability to come together during trying times.

After leaving Strictly, I deeply regret the circumstances that resulted in my departure. Reflecting on it now, I realize that my fervent desire and relentless pursuit of victory might have influenced my training regimen unfairly.

“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away,” he said.

After Graziano Di Prima’s departure from the show, director-Tim Davie stated in July (via BBC News): “There will be a healthy level of competition and desire to excel, but there are boundaries, and they should never be overstepped. We do not condone any form of unacceptable behavior whatsoever.”

Instead, he expressed regret that anyone might have had an encounter that wasn’t entirely pleasant.

As a seasoned professional with years of experience under my belt, I believe it’s crucial for us to take a step back and ponder upon certain aspects of our operations. Specifically, the training rooms seem to have slipped through the cracks in our oversight, an issue that I deeply regret not having addressed sooner. My personal journey has taught me the importance of continuous learning and improvement, so let’s make it a priority to address these learnings and ensure our training rooms operate at their full potential.

Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year.

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2024-08-11 11:34