The BBC has finally shared the results for their investigation into ‘s conduct towards .
Giovanni has been partially cleared of the complaints made against him, but the has upheld several allegations of “verbal abuse”, before issuing an apology to Amanda.
The complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, however claims of physical aggressions were not.
The former star had quit the show in the wake of the allegations that he’d been a “mean”, “cruel” and “abusive” dance partner to . However, he vowed to prove his innocence, having vehemently denied the allegations from the start.
The results are in for Giovanni Pernice (Image: BBC)
The results of the Strictly Come Dancing internal investigation has been announced (Image: BBC)
In a statement released on Monday (September 30), the flagship channel said it takes allegations of bullying and harassment “very seriously” and said the review into the actor’s complaints had taken time “due to its complex nature” in order to ensure “a rigorous and robust process.”
It said: “We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. 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.” Chief content officer for the Charlotte Moore told News that it was “terrible” Abbington had been subjected to online abuse, and personally apologised to the star twice.
Amanda Abbington claims she was “abused” by Giovanni on the show (Image: Channel 4)
In its statement, the said that the production team did take steps to address the issue at the time, but acknowledged that “ulitmately, these were not enough.”
They went on: “This is why the measures we have taken to further strengthen our existing protocols are so important.”
In July, the dance competition introduced chaperones in all rehearsal rooms, and welcomed two new welfare producers on the show ahead of the 20th anniversary series.
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The launched an internal investigation after the Sherlock star left the show halfway through the competition in 2023.
Amanda was partnered up with the 33-year-old Italian professional, with reports initially suggesting a strong friendship between the two. But the pair dropped out of the show just six weeks later due to health issues.
Back in January, new details emerged which painted a different picture altogether. Amanda later claimed that abuse took place during rehearsals which pushed her to leave the show.
The pair pulled out of the competition after six weeks (Image: PA)
She then filed a complaint against the beloved show, accusing Giovanni of bullying and abuse. The 50-year-old actress insisted she was traumatised by the professional dancer’s inappropriate behaviour, and claims to have been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of her time on the show.
The report, which was initally set to be released prior to the new series, was reportedly delayed due to Huw Edwards’ court case.
In a Channel 4 interview, the mum-of-two likened the show to “the trenches”, claiming that the broadcaster’s producers were “horrified” by footage supporting her claims of “humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature.”
Since the allegations came to light, Giovanni has moved back to Italy – but he hasn’t stopped dancing. The ballroom expert is now starring on the Italian version of the show, Ballando con le Stelle, with his celebrity partner Bianca Guaccero.
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