Graziano Di Prima ‘to take legal action against the BBC’ after Strictly axe
The professional dancer was sacked for gross misconduct
GRAZIANO Di Prima has vowed to take legal action against the BBC after he was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing.
The professional dancer, 30, is accused of hitting, kicking and spitting at ex-Love Island star Zara McDermott, 27, during heated rehearsals.
The BBC confirmed the Italian will not appear in the next series – but now the reports Graziano plans to sue the channel.
He claims he should have been “supported and helped” with his behaviour after it was revealed Strictly bosses were warned TWICE about the “abuse” before he was sacked.
A friend of Graziano claimed: “There are questions over the BBC’s procedures, and how they operate behind the scenes.
“He believes that there is a lot of pressure on professionals to get nines or tens to entertain the audience.”
The shock allegations emerged during the inquiry into claims that another Italian star, Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullied actress Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series.
That probe began in May and Giovanni denies wrongdoing.
Last month the BBC named Graziano in the line-up for the next series.
The Sicilian-born star joined Strictly in 2018.
After it was revealed Graziano was sacked for gross misconduct, he shared a statement on Instagram saying: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.
“My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.
“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.”
He continued: “While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.”
He concluded the post: “I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”