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STRICTLY ROW DEEPENS
New twist in Strictly bullying row as first male celeb complains about Giovanni Pernice after 3 women launched action
The Sicilian pro has been questioned over his 'brutal training methods'
A MALE celebrity has joined the group of female stars to complain about Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice, The Sun can reveal.
Insiders said the man has been in touch with the lawyers who are acting for the other complainants.
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A source said last night: “After three women came forward, a man has now joined their ranks.
“He personally reached out to the women at the heart of this unfolding crisis, offering them his support and full backing.
“He has also been in touch with Carter Ruck and told them what he knows, and shared his experiences.
“These experiences were, at times, very tricky.”
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It comes weeks after we revealed Gio, 33, was quitting the show.
The Sicilian pro has been questioned over his “brutal, taskmaster training methods”.
Within 24 hours of our story, lawyers Carter Ruck confirmed the BBC had launched a probe into workplace misconduct.
Three of Giovanni’s former partners — said to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Michelle Visage — all contacted the legal firm with their complaints.
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Sherlock actress Amanda, who quit last year’s series early, said she had mild PTSD from working with Gio.
He has denied any wrongdoing and instructed top legal firm Schillings to fight his corner.
The Sun's Clemmie Moodie takes us inside the toxic battle threatening to rip Stricly apart
A spokesman for Giovanni told The Sun: “Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm Giovanni is fully cooperating.
“As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.”
Last week the BBC said: “If a complaint is made to the BBC, we assess and take any necessary steps to establish the facts, whether there is a case to answer, and, if appropriate, what action should be taken.
“This is all within the context of the BBC having duties of care to everyone linked to a complaint.
“Whilst we know our shows have been positive experiences for many who have taken part, we will always look at any issues with care, fairness and sensitivity to everyone concerned.”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that 'wishes her the best'.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: "Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni's dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda's PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni's training methods weren't acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn't feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a "nightmare situation".
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