Earlier this month, professional dancer Graziano di Prima was fired from the present after it was revealed he bodily and verbally abused contestant Zara McDermott.
Whereas Di Prima’s spokesperson apologised for his ‘Mistake’, McDermott’s assertion alluded to a couple of occasion, at the least considered one of which was captured on digicam.
As a Strictly and former Di Prima fan, this got here as an enormous shock. Particularly when all eyes had been on Pernice, since Abbington’s criticism in opposition to the dancer grew to become public information in Might 2024, after quitting the present in October 2023.
In comparison with the swift decision of Di Prima, the BBC investigation into Pernice’s behaviour, feels prefer it has dragged on and on. With Pernice persevering with to disclaim the allegations – following Abbington’s interview his spokesperson mentioned there was no proof to again her claims – all of the whereas rumours of earlier contestants coming ahead about his behaviour persist.
When requested why she didn’t communicate out till after the present, Abbington used a phrase that girls are all too conversant in, “I didn’t want to rock the boat”.
I can’t think about how troublesome it have to be to make a criticism in opposition to a person at work, not to mention when that man is arguably the most well-liked male dancer on Saturday night time’s greatest TV present. Particularly one, the place every week, contestants gush over the way it looks like “Family”.
Think about although, getting the braveness to make that criticism, solely to be met with dying and rape threats by followers of the present. Followers who do not know what any of the folks they’re defending, are literally like. Not solely that, however think about coming ahead to reveal your alleged abuser and the very folks in supposed energy, proceed to assist him in the course of the investigation.
What made me so indignant watching Abbington, was realizing that each one 4 of Strictly’s judges have continued to publicly assist Pernice. Whether or not that’s Shirley Ballas calling him, “An absolute gentleman” in an interview on Lorraine, Anton Du Beke showing on tour with him or all 4 of them internet hosting lessons with Pernice’s dance college.
That’s proper, Pernice has a dance firm referred to as Ballando and for £100 a ticket, you’ll be able to go to his upcoming workshops with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabusi and Pernice himself.
Plus, again in June, Pernice hosted the identical ‘Ballando with the judges’ workshops, besides with Du Beke and Ballas.
Earlier than anybody tries to hit me with the ‘Snowflake’ or ‘Cancel Culture’ argument, please think about the ethics of investigating somebody’s behaviour within the office, when members of that office look like being paid by the accused for work outdoors of their job.
Of their personal life the judges can assist Giovanni all they need. In spite of everything, they had been ready of energy over him, so I’ve little question their experiences had been something however optimistic. However, in my view, there isn’t any method they will do this publicly throughout this investigation, with out inflicting not solely bias, however stopping different contestants who might have suffered abuse, coming ahead.
To be clear, I’m not in any method saying that the judges had any involvement in these complaints. In an interview for BBC Radio Wales, Revel Horwood mentioned, “The judges are never present at any of the teaching”. He additionally added, “We’re kept very, very separate to the rest of the company, so for us it’s complete news”.
While the judges will not be concerned behind the scenes, to the viewers, they’ve all the ability. To not point out the celebrities, whose progress within the competitors is as reliant on these paddle boards as it’s the public vote.
