ECNETNews reports that Amanda Abbington is in the spotlight following a recent public apology issued by the BBC concerning her treatment during her time on Strictly Come Dancing. This apology highlights serious concerns raised by Abbington regarding her partnership with Giovanni Pernice in the 2023 season. Here are the key details surrounding this significant development.
BBC Issues Apology to Amanda Abbington Over Bullying Claims
The BBC has formally apologized to Amanda Abbington, acknowledging several of her complaints regarding her 2023 Strictly Come Dancing partner, Giovanni Pernice, while dismissing some of the more severe allegations. The internal review concluded that while complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were substantiated, allegations of physical aggression could not be confirmed.
Acknowledging the apology, Abbington described it as a “vindication” of her claims and expressed hope that it might inspire others to share their experiences. In response to the findings, Pernice has maintained his innocence, rejecting accusations of being “unnecessary, abusive, cruel, and mean” during their rehearsals. He welcomed the conclusion that allegations of threatening behavior were unfounded.
The BBC stated that the production team attempted to manage issues as they arose but recognized that their interventions were inadequate. They committed to implementing new protocols to better safeguard participant welfare in future seasons.
Amanda Abbington disclosed that her concerns regarding Pernice’s conduct were raised soon after her arrival on the show, through multiple discussions with producers. Following her withdrawal from the competition in week six due to “medical” and “personal reasons,” she subsequently filed a formal complaint. Since making her allegations public, Abbington has faced extensive backlash, including personal threats against her and her family.
In light of the online abuse Abbington endured, Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, expressed her personal apologies. The review reported on a total of 17 complaints, with six being upheld, although the specifics of these findings remain confidential to protect all involved.
This year, the BBC confirmed that Giovanni Pernice would not participate in the upcoming season of Strictly Come Dancing and noted his new role in Italy’s Ballando con le Stelle.
In light of the apology, Abbington reflected on the challenges of coming forward, recalling the threats she faced as a result of her stance. She stated, “Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.”
