GIO'S ALLY
New Strictly star breaks ranks to support Giovanni Pernice after male celebrity complains about dance star
Another show star recently showed Gio support
A NEW Strictly star has rushed to social media to support Giovanni Pernice after it was revealed that a male celebrity complained about the dance star.
Motsi Mabuse, a judge on the BBC dance show, is one of the latest celebrities to come forward and share their support towards the Italian, 33.
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Gio, who quit Strictly last month, is under investigation by the Beeb over misconduct after complaints were filed by several; of his former dance partners on the show.
The dancer recently shared information about an upcoming show on the Ballando UK Instagram page.
The post said: "Giovanni. 28th July - LONDON. Cha cha cha - Samba - Charleston - Jive …. All the ingredients for a fun afternoon!!
"Come and learn some technique, some great choreography and above all have loads of fun! Booking is now live via the link on our profile … see you there!"
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The post has 415 likes and 39 comments.
One person who liked the post was Motsi, which could imply she still supports Gio after the scandal.
Motsi isn't the only one that has shown their support.
Strictly head judge Shirley Ballas has 'broken ranks' to support Gio by teaming up with him for the tour.
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The Sicilian pro has been questioned over his “brutal, taskmaster training methods”.
Within 24 hours of our story, lawyer Carter Ruck confirmed the BBC had launched a probe into workplace misconduct.
Celebrity Complaints Against Giovanni Pernice
Three of Giovanni’s former partners — believed to be Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Michelle Visage — contacted the legal firm with their complaints.
Sherlock actress Amanda, who quit last year’s series early, said she had mild PTSD from working with Gio.
He has denied any wrongdoing
Yesterday it was revealed a male celebrity has joined a group of female stars to complain about him.
A source told us: “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.
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“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.”
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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