Strictly’s Katya and Wynne controversy faces criticism from Women’s Aid

Strictly’s Katya and Wynne controversy faces criticism from Women’s Aid

As a film enthusiast with over three decades of observing human dynamics through the lens of cinema, I find myself deeply troubled by the recent controversy surrounding Wynne Evans and Katya Jones on Strictly Come Dancing. Having watched countless films that address the complexities of power dynamics between men and women, it is disheartening to witness such an incident unfold in real life.


As a movie critic, I find myself compelled to address the ongoing debate regarding Wynne Evans and Katya Jones’ humorous antics on Strictly Come Dancing. In light of this situation, Women’s Aid, a national organization dedicated to eradicating domestic abuse against women and children, has rightfully weighed in with their perspective: “Behavior towards women that might be perceived as amusing or joking is far from it; instead, such actions are serious matters that should not be trivialized.

The debate started during the live broadcast on October 12th, as professional dancer Jones seemed to push away her celebrity partner Evans’ hand from her waist forcefully. Later, she declined his gesture for a high-five.

As a movie lover sharing my thoughts, I’d like to clarify a situation that arose recently. In a video posted online, I admitted that last weekend at the Clauditorium, what transpired was simply playful banter between us. I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize sincerely for any unintentional offense caused by a light-hearted joke that didn’t land as intended.

Evans added: “Yeah, sorry.”

Strictly’s Katya and Wynne controversy faces criticism from Women’s Aid

Later on, during an appearance on the related program “It Takes Two,” Jones expressed his feelings by stating: “It’s unbearable for me to watch this man being misrepresented in this way.

To clarify, the event involving hands and the high-five on Saturday evening was nothing more than a private joke shared between Wynne and myself. It holds no truth beyond our amusement.

“Was it a silly joke? Yes. Was it a bad joke? Yes.

As a film enthusiast, let me clarify something: It was merely a jest, and I can assure you, there’s no grain of truth in the notion that it caused me any discomfort or offense. If anyone harbors doubts about this, I humbly suggest they might have misunderstood the situation.

On Monday, I found myself utterly devastated upon reading the remarks about me over the past day, as shared during my interview on BBC Radio Wales.

In those times, it wasn’t pleasant, but to clarify, Katya and I share an incredibly strong bond, and we are excellent friends. On a Saturday evening, we shared a rather foolish jest.

The humor in what we said didn’t land as intended; it seems it was misunderstood entirely. Initially, we found it amusing, but in hindsight, it clearly fell flat.

Yet, Women’s Aid has expressed their disapproval of the situation, stating in a release, “We strive for an environment in media where women feel secure to express themselves, where behaviors that are sexually inappropriate aren’t downplayed or made light of.

Let’s make sure disrespectful actions towards women are taken seriously, not trivialized or viewed as a joke. We should cultivate a media environment where women feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear. It’s crucial to confront supposed “jokes” that undermine these behaviors and prevent us from perpetuating harmful, toxic mindsets.

— Women’s Aid (@womensaid) October 17, 2024

“Inappropriate behaviour towards women is no joke,” the charity wrote on social media.

Let’s strive for a media environment where women feel comfortable expressing themselves freely. It’s crucial to confront supposedly harmless remarks that trivialize such behaviors, ensuring we don’t perpetuate harmful and toxic mindsets as acceptable norms.

Regarding the recent event, a representative from Strictly stated in a message: “Wynne and Katya admitted that their actions inside the Clauditorium were merely pre-arranged, lighthearted jokes between them. They’ve expressed their regret to anyone who might have misunderstood their antics.

“They addressed them on Wynne’s Instagram, where their apology can be found.

Katya wants to make it clear that she wasn’t hurt or unsettled by Wynne, and she’s already explained this on her Instagram. Afterward, they both appeared on “Strictly It Takes Two.

Both the wellbeing and productivity groups have assessed the situation with the pair, and no additional steps are needed for now.

Strictly Come Dancing continues on Saturdays and Sundays.

Read More

2024-10-17 20:03