The BBC has apologized to Amanda Abbington and upheld some of the complaints she made about Strictly 2023 dance partner Giovanni Pernice but cleared him of the most serious allegations.
BBC News understands that while complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, allegations of physical assault were not.
The Sherlock actress accused Pernice of being “unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean” during rehearsals.
He has previously strongly denied “any suggestion of abusive or threatening behavior”.
BBC News has contacted Abbington and Pernice for comment.
In a statement released on Monday, the BBC said it took allegations of bullying and harassment “very seriously” and said a review of the Abingdon complaint would take time “due to its complexity” to ensure a “rigorous and robust process.” “.
“We have evaluated these complaints and upheld some, but not all, of them,” the statement read.
“We would like to apologize to Amanda Abbington and thank her for coming forward and getting involved. We know this is not an easy thing to do.”
In recent media interviews, Abbington said she first raised concerns about Penis’ behavior with Strictly producers on her third dayand had “more” discussions with the project leader.
She eventually quit in week six, expressing her “deepest regret” at having to leave the show for “medical” and “personal reasons.” She later filed a formal complaint against Pernice.
The actress has since claimed the BBC knew of his behavior for years. She also said she and her family received death threats after she spoke out.
Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s chief content officer, told BBC News that the abuse Abington suffered online was “horrible” and twice apologized to the actress in person.
The BBC said in a statement that the production team did take steps to resolve these issues at the time.
But it acknowledged that “ultimately, this is not enough.”
“That is why the steps we have taken to further strengthen the existing agreement are so important,” it said.
The measures, announced in July, include the introduction of chaperones in all rehearsal rooms and the addition of two new welfare producers to the show
Earlier this year, the BBC confirmed that Pernice would not be returning to the Strictly professional line-up for new series.
the same month, he strikes out “There are completely untrue stories about me in the media.”
He added: “I look forward to the conclusion of the investigation, the eventual clearing of my name and the discovery of the truth.”
He has now joined Ballando con le Stelle, a talent dance show in his native Italy.
Earlier this month, BBC One launched new series Strictly Come Dancing.
