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BEEB COURT DRAMA
Strictly’s Amanda Abbington to SUE BBC for damages after 6 of her bullying claims against Giovanni were upheld by probe
The probe found Gio used swear words, 'belittling' language and gave negative feedback
THE BBC yesterday apologised to Amanda Abbington as it finally published the findings of its report into Strictly bullying claims against Giovanni Pernice.
Actress Amanda, 50, is now poised to sue the Beeb for loss of earnings and damages.
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She told The Sun: “I want to take the time to consider the report in detail with my advisers before deciding what happens next.”
After months of speculation, the bombshell 30-page report was seen as “vindication” by Amanda.
The team for Italian pro Gio, 34, believe he too has won after being cleared of the majority of complaints.
The probe found he used swear words and “belittling” language and gave negative feedback.
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It also found two moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace”.
One incident in which he grabbed his crotch and made a lewd gesture breached BBC guidelines.
Last night a source said: “Amanda is delighted and relieved, and feels her decision to speak out and complain has been rewarded.
“She hopes other celebs might come forward now, safe in the knowledge they, too, will be listened to.
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"She has been through hell and lost work as a result of going public, and is considering taking further action against the BBC for damages and loss of earnings.
“Amanda suffered enormously, got formally diagnosed with PTSD, and feels the BBC breached its duty of care guidelines by not protecting her sooner.
BBC APOLOGISES to Amanda Abbington over Strictly bullying scandal – but Giovanni cleared of almost all abuse allegations
"It’s hard to put a figure on how much she could expect if things go her way, but it could be up to £300,000.
“Obviously this would be the BBC’s worst nightmare; this has already been a costly investigation, and Strictly’s reputation has taken a walloping.”
The inquiry saw two ex-Met officers review hours of rehearsal footage from the last series. They also examined texts and screenshots between the pair.
Other celebrities who danced with Giovanni spoke to investigators, including Laura Whitmore, Ranvir Singh, Michelle Visage and Richie Anderson.
Debbie McGee, his 2017 dance partner, is said to have defended him in her interview.
Yesterday the BBC said in a statement: “The BBC has now concluded its review.
"We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken.
It’s hard to put a figure on how much she could expect if things go her way, but it could be up to £300,000
Source
“Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards.
"While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience.
“It is a great shame if this hasn’t been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show. We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all.
“We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.”
The Sun first broke the story last September when we revealed rowing behind the scenes, prompting Amanda to threaten to quit.
She later did, citing personal medical reasons.
The Sun on Sunday then revealed she had been diagnosed with mild PTSD, and had met other former contestants to share their experiences of dancing with Giovanni.
He quit this May, and the next day we revealed a formal legal investigation was under way.
Bosses have struggled to sign female stars following the claims, and there were fears the show would be pulled from schedules in its 20th year. Viewing figures are currently down on last year.
Responding to the BBC’s statement, Amanda said coming forward “was not an easy thing to do”.
Lessons have been learned
AMANDA Abbington isn’t the only one with PTSD; after four months and 15 days of relentless Strictly Come Dancing coverage - scandals, cover-ups, briefings, and not a single salsa to be seen - I, too, think I may have it. You, dear reader, probably do too.
Not to be deliberately flippant on the perils of mental health, but of COURSE the BBC apologised to Amanda for hurting her feelings.
Because that, after 15 years of putting mental health at the forefront of news agendas, this is where we are now.
The BBC was damned if it did and damned if it didn’t.
But whatever your interpretation of yesterday’s mixed investigation findings, Amanda’s decision to go legal, to stick her head above the parapet, now seems entirely justified.
The corporation formally apologised to her for her experiences on the Corporation’s flagship Saturday night show.
Whilst Amanda - who was diagnosed with mild PTSD earlier this year, post-Elstree - released a heartfelt statement saying she felt “vindicated” for speaking out, the Sicilian’s pals were quick out the blocks to insist he, too, is chuffed-ish with the report.
Fair play to the Beeb for taking this long - and taking on two independent investigators to spend hundreds of hours analysing footage and interviewing former contestants, staff members and production - to try and get to the bottom of things.
Lessons have been learned, clearly.
And we have all now learned that ballroom dancing isn’t for wimps: the lily-livered need not apply, thank you very much.
She added: “In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’.
“I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work.
“My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation.
“Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.
"It’s not just a vindication for me, but for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.
“I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.”
She said the BBC had invited her to meet with senior management and she would be considering this.
Amanda added: “This apology means a great deal to me.
“So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were ‘not enough’.
“What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.”
We are pleased this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour.
Giovanni’s spokesman
Giovanni’s spokesman said: “We are pleased this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour.
“Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations put to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.”
Sources believe he could now be cleared to make a shock return to Strictly — though those close to him say he has also been left “burned” by his experience.
One friend added: “Giovanni feels he was thrown to the wolves, and is very bruised by some of the claims made by previous partners against him.
"He has always maintained his innocence so right now the thought of going back to Strictly seems outlandish.
“Only four allegations against him were upheld for bullying, plus two sexual complaints, but he feels there was context to these, and he was only ever joking.
“Not to belittle Amanda’s experience, which is valid, but Giovanni feels like he could have been supported better too.”
In July the BBC’s Director General took the unprecedented step of apologising for the claims emerging.
Tim Davie said he was “disappointed” to hear several celebrities had complained about poor treatment.
"He said the show’s professionals should not cross the line between being competitive and “unacceptable behaviour”.
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“There will be a degree of competitiveness and will to do well, but there are limits and the line should never be crossed,” he said.
“We never tolerate unacceptable behaviour of any kind.”
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HOW SUN LED WAY ON STRICTLY SCANDAL
SEPTEMBER 23 2023: The Sun reveals Amanda Abbington threatened to quit Strictly after a series of rows with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice.
January 8 2024: We reveal five more stars clashed with Gio but Beeb has refused to investigate.
March 17: Amanda and former stars meet in person to share their “difficult experiences”.
May 17: The Sun reveals Gio quit Strictly the day before a investigation is finally launched.
May 19: We reveal the extent of complaints by Amanda, including “toxic” training sessions but Gio denies any wrongdoing.
July 21: In an interview with this newspaper, Amanda brands Gio “abusive, cruel and mean”.
July 28: Our snaps show Gio looking cheery despite claims.
September 30: The Sun breaks bombshell investigation findings.
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