Laura Whitmore, former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and Giovanni Pernice’s ex-dance partner, has spoken out following the recent conclusion of the investigation into Amanda Abbington’s claims against Giovanni.
The probe, which wrapped up on Monday, upheld six out of seventeen bullying allegations made by Amanda, sparking widespread reactions.
Laura, who partnered with Giovanni on Strictly back in 2016, was one of the individuals who contributed to the investigation, shedding light on her own experience.
She had previously raised concerns about Giovanni’s behavior during her time on the show and expressed frustration over the BBC’s response to her complaints.
Laura’s Experience on Strictly with Giovanni
In her latest Instagram post, Laura emphasized the importance of standing up against abusive behavior in the workplace.
Reflecting on her time with Giovanni, she recounted feeling emotionally broken, admitting that she cried every day during rehearsals.
Her experience, coupled with that of others, fueled her decision to speak up, despite the pain it brought back.
Laura had already spoken out in 2018 about how uncomfortable she felt during her time on Strictly, particularly given the recent breakup between Giovanni and her close friend, Georgia May Foote.
Being thrust into an uncomfortable situation, Laura found it hard to navigate her partnership with Giovanni, ultimately leaving the competition feeling mentally and physically drained.
The BBC Investigation and Apology to Amanda Abbington
The BBC recently issued an apology to Amanda Abbington, who had accused Giovanni of bullying behavior during their time on the show last year.
Amanda, who is best known for her role in Sherlock, felt vindicated after six of her complaints were upheld.
The investigation revealed that Giovanni had displayed verbally aggressive behavior, although no allegations of physical misconduct were confirmed.
Despite being cleared of the majority of the allegations, Giovanni admitted the toll the probe had taken on him.
Speaking out for the first time since the investigation concluded, he expressed relief at the outcome but acknowledged the emotional strain he had endured throughout the process.
Laura’s Message of Support and Call for Change
In her statement, Laura highlighted the dangers of misinformation, calling for transparency and better treatment for those who experience workplace bullying.
She reiterated that her testimony was not for personal gain but to support others who had faced similar situations.
Laura emphasized the need for change, pointing out that the BBC must address its duty of care to prevent such incidents from happening again.
She also spoke about the six former Strictly contestants who had similar experiences with Giovanni but chose to remain anonymous.
Laura expressed her disappointment at how long it took for these voices to be heard and stressed the importance of ensuring future contestants feel safe and supported.
The Emotional Toll on Giovanni Pernice
Giovanni, who is now performing on Italy’s version of Strictly, shared how difficult the past year had been for him.
Despite being cleared of most of the allegations, the intense media scrutiny and prolonged investigation affected his mental health.
He thanked his family, friends, and fans for their unwavering support and vowed to continue focusing on his dancing career.
While the investigation did not find Giovanni guilty of physical aggression, some of Amanda’s complaints regarding verbal bullying and negative feedback were upheld.
Sources close to Giovanni maintained that while he is a tough coach, he is not a bully.
They added that Giovanni made efforts to support Amanda throughout their time together, even after she left the competition due to personal reasons.
What’s Next for Strictly Come Dancing?
Following the conclusion of the probe, the BBC has vowed to improve its duty of care for contestants.
They have already introduced enhanced welfare measures, including dedicated support staff and chaperones in rehearsal rooms.
The aim is to create a safe and positive environment for all participants in future series.
Amanda Abbington has indicated she may take further legal action against the BBC, citing the emotional and professional impact of her experience.
Reports suggest that a lawsuit could result in damages of up to £300,000.
Meanwhile, Laura Whitmore continues to advocate for change, urging the BBC to ensure no one else faces similar challenges in the future.
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