Amanda Abbington says Giovanni Pernice made 'litany... of innuendo' at her during Strictly Come Dancing...

October 3, 2024, 9:19 AM | Last updated: October 3, 2024, 12:55 PM

Amanda Abbington has spoken out about the numerous insinuations made against her by Giovanni Pernice while discussing a BBC inquiry into the behavior and actions on the program.

Earlier this year, an inquiry began regarding the actress's accusations against Pernice. The BBC found that "some, but not all" of her claims against the dancer were valid following a review.

The actress, who withdrew from the show last year for "personal reasons," later reported experiencing a "harmful environment" and "unacceptable, cruel bullying."

Even after facing numerous threats of death and sexual violence, the 50-year-old star of Sherlock stated that she feels no remorse about filing complaints against her ex-dance partner.

She shared with Victoria Derbyshire from Newsnight, "I experienced a constant stream of verbal abuse."

He launched into a 35-minute tirade, gesturing wildly and hurling insults my way, expressing his frustration and how overwhelmed he felt.

A representative for Giovanni shared with The Sun: "It's unfortunate that Ms. Abbington would deliberately misrepresent the report's findings to harm Giovanni's reputation."

"Although Ms. Abbington might be unhappy with the results of the six-month investigation, she shouldn't attempt to share misleading or harmful statements."

Abbington shared with BBC Newsnight, "This has been one of the most challenging years I've ever faced."

I've faced many challenges, and women often encounter numerous hardships, but this period has been particularly difficult and chaotic for me.

"I've faced a countless number of difficult challenges."

The actress mentioned that over the past eight months, she has received "hundreds" of threats, with one of them targeting her teenage daughter.

She has not dismissed the possibility of pursuing legal action against the BBC after some of her grievances were acknowledged.

In August, the Metropolitan Police announced they were looking into a situation after receiving a report about a supposed death threat directed at Abbington, who was performing in "When It Happens To You" at the Park Theatre in Finsbury Park.

"I received a serious death threat delivered to my workplace, a theater where I was employed, and it was genuine enough that we had to involve the police," Abbington mentioned.

I received a bomb threat at my workplace, warning that the building would be blown up because of my involvement in this matter.

"I have received threats against my life and my family's safety."

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I received disturbing messages that included threats of sexual violence towards my 15-year-old daughter. One message read, 'I'm just laughing right now, imagining you having to witness your daughter being harmed because of what you've done to Giovanni Pernice.'

"I received those messages daily, and I have shared screenshots with the Metropolitan Police," Abbington stated, noting that the threats have resumed following the release of the BBC review on Monday.

She mentioned that she's been getting threatening messages such as "I wish you would die of cancer" and "I knew you'd be shown to be wrong, you deceitful person."

BBC issues an apology to Abbington regarding Strictly Come Dancing, while Pernice has been exonerated from allegations of misconduct.

Even with the risks involved, Abbington stated, "I have no regrets" about filing complaints against Pernice.

"The threats to my life and the threats of sexual violence I receive are absolutely terrible, deeply damaging, and incredibly painful," she expressed.

"I have women approaching me on the street who express gratitude, saying things like, 'You're helping create a safer environment for my daughter, where she won’t feel threatened and can speak up freely.'"

In the course of the interview, Abbington mentioned that she wasn't the only one who had issues while working with Pernice on the main show.

She mentioned that she welcomed the previous Strictly contestants to her place because "we wanted to ensure that we weren't the only ones who felt this had just occurred."

Abbington mentioned that when they met for the first time, "we all started crying."

Pernice has refuted the accusations made against him.

The head of the BBC has spoken out regarding the claims surrounding Strictly Come Dancing.

A review released this week "supported certain allegations" raised against professional dancer Pernice, but not all of them.

In reply, Ms. Abbington mentioned, "My legal team and I are currently reviewing a 30-page report."

"There are still some issues that remain to be addressed."

Abbington stated that there was an important explanation for why some of the accusations against Pernice were not substantiated, and that her team will be looking into it more closely.

When questioned about the possibility of suing the BBC, the 50-year-old responded, "I'm consulting with my attorney, who has been incredibly supportive during this entire process."

"She has been a huge support for me, especially during moments when I've questioned whether all of this is really worthwhile."

"I'm seeking her guidance and using it in my daily routine."

Abbington mentioned that there has been "a great deal of misleading information" circulating after the release of the BBC report, which seemed to downplay the seriousness of the situation.

“What’s being claimed right now is simply false,” she stated. “There were some significant issues that occurred, and the BBC backed them up.”

"There were violations of every code of conduct established by the organization."

The BBC has expressed its regret to Abbington and appreciated her willingness to speak out.

"Back then, the production team made attempts to tackle the problems as they saw them, but in the end, those efforts fell short. That’s why the actions we’ve implemented to enhance our current protocols are crucial," stated the BBC.

A representative for Giovanni Pernice expressed appreciation for the BBC's review, noting that they are "happy that the six-month investigation has not uncovered any signs of threatening or abusive conduct from Giovanni."