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Laura Whitmore Raised Concerns About ‘Inappropriate Behaviour’ in 2016
TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who was partnered with Giovanni Pernice on Strictly Come Dancing , has said she “raised concerns” about her alleged experience of “inappropriate behaviour” in the rehearsal room in 2016.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Whitmore said she thought she was alone in her experience but learned of the other allegations raised by former contestants.
She continued: “I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal room during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again.”
Sherlock actor Amanda Abbington, who lifted the lid on the scandal with her own set of allegations against Pernice, gave a tell-all interview in which she claims there are “50 hours” of rehearsal footage that left BBC producers “horrified” by dance partner Pernice’s alleged behaviour.
On Saturday (27 July), the BBC faced a fresh batch of claims as former crew members alleged sexist and sexualised comments, and a “tense, toxic and uncomfortable” environment while working on the show.
Meanwhile, Graziano Di Prima is reportedly under medical supervision after being axed from Strictly Come Dancing .
The professional dancer, 30, was sacked from the show earlier this month after it was alleged that footage existed of him physically and verbally abusing Zara McDermott in training during last year’s series.
His family are now said to be “deeply concerned” about his wellbeing and are monitoring him hourly, according to reports.
On Tuesday afternoon (23 July), BBC director general Tim Davie made a statement apologising for the alleged mistreatment of contestants on the show, saying that the corporation “will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour”.
Below are latest updates as the scandal unfolds.
TV presenter Laura Whitmore, who previously competed on Strictly Come Dancing alongside Giovanni Pernice in 2016, has come forward with claims of enduring “inappropriate behaviour” during rehearsal sessions. Whitmore, in an Instagram statement, expressed that she initially believed her experience was an isolated case until she discovered other former contestants had raised similar allegations.
Her concern was not aimed at penalizing anyone but rather at securing an acknowledgment that her experience was unacceptable, ensuring it doesn’t recur for future participants. “I am not looking for anything just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal room during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it won’t happen to anyone else again,” she stated.
Adding to the controversy, Amanda Abbington, a Sherlock actor, shed more light on the issue by sharing her own allegations against Pernice. In a revealing interview, Abbington claimed there existed “50 hours” of rehearsal footage showcasing conduct that reportedly left BBC producers “horrified” by Pernice’s behaviour.
This weekend, the BBC was hit with a wave of new allegations. Former crew members described a workplace environment that was “tense, toxic and uncomfortable,” accusing it of permitting sexist and sexualised comments.
Adding to the controversy, professional dancer Graziano Di Prima has reportedly come under medical supervision following his recent dismissal from Strictly Come Dancing. Reports suggest that footage had surfaced, allegedly showing Di Prima engaging in physical and verbal abuse towards Zara McDermott during training in the previous season. He was dismissed earlier this month, and it is said his family is now “deeply concerned” for his wellbeing, monitoring him on an hourly basis.
On Tuesday afternoon, Tim Davie, BBC’s director general, issued a statement addressing the mistreatment allegations. He offered an apology, reinforcing that the corporation “will never tolerate unacceptable behaviour”.
As the turmoil continues to unfold, the BBC faces mounting scrutiny and pressure to address these allegations decisively.
Source: Particle News
