AMANDA Abbington is furious with BBC bosses over fears their investigation into the bullying of Giovanni Pernice will be a “whitewash”.
The report is completed and ready for publication in a few days.
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Amanda Abbington hits out at BBC for fearing Giovanni Pernice investigation will be a ‘whitewash’Credit: Ray Collins
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The smiles hide the ordeal Amanda says she endured at the hands of Strictly pro GiovanniCredits: PA
A friend of Amanda said: “She is deeply disappointed with the BBC. She thinks she feels like she’s in a boys club.
“Despite the investigation taking so long, it seems as if they are protecting Giovanni to save themselves and ignoring not only her experience but the experience of other women who have bravely come forward.
“Amanda feels tired, upset and very angry about the way this has all been handled.
“She is concerned that there will be a predictable whitewash and that others will again suffer from aggression and abuse.”
Another source told The Sun on Sunday that during the investigation, Amanda was asked again about the explicit video Giovanni shared with her.
A source said: “In their first conversation with Amanda, investigators told her they fully believed her account of events.”
But the source added that Amanda now felt as though investigators and others at the BBC were questioning at least some of her complaints.
Corporation bosses hope to announce the results before the new series of Strictly starts on Saturday.
A BBC source said: “The investigation is over and has now been dusted off.
“The team is just finalizing a few points and will then publish the findings in a few days.
Amanda Abbington reveals she told producers she ‘didn’t feel safe’ while in room with Giovanni Pernice
“Dozens of witnesses were interviewed, including many of Giovanni’s former dance partners.
“They were all contacted to see if they wanted to provide information and many have now.
“Giovanni and Amanda have made it clear to the investigators that they just want to hear the results so that will happen very soon.
“The producers are desperate that the new series can start without the shadow of this investigation hanging over the programme.”
But we can also reveal there are fears within the BBC that the report could open the door to new claims against the flagship series.
Amanda feels tired, upset and very angry about the way it was all handled.
Amanda’s friend
The insider added: “The BBC is preparing for the possibility that whatever they publish, their findings could be challenged and appealed, not least by Amanda.
“They are also preparing for the possibility that former contestants and staff may appeal.
“This could include compensation claims that end up costing the corporation a fortune.”
Amanda quit last October, saying she was diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on the show.
She is being advised by lawyers regarding filing a claim for loss of earnings.
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The BBC is prepared to have their findings challenged by Amanda and potentially others Credit: Pixel8000
The investigation found out that she bruised her foot during the rehearsals, that Giovanni grabbed her crotch in front of her dancing partners with rude comments, and a phone was thrown around the room.
TV presenter Laura Whitmore (39), who danced with Giovanni in 2016, also revealed that she complained to the BBC about his inappropriate behavior eight years ago.
She said she and six other people spoke to BBC investigators investigating Amanda’s claim.
Good Morning Britain host Ranvir Singh is heard to have complained about co-star Giovanni’s treatment of her in the 2020 series.
This June it was revealed that Giovanni – who denies any wrongdoing – would not be returning to Strictly.
Yesterday he announced that he is joining the Italian version, Ballando con le Stelle.
He said: “I’m excited to finally be back on the dance floor and hopefully create some new magic. I am very happy.”
The BBC declined to comment on the investigation last night.
Giovanni Pernice Strictly Scandal Timeline
October 2023: Amanda suddenly quits Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure was announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her all the best’.
Giovanni posted a short message on social media addressing the departure, which read: “Amanda… I’m so sad that we can’t go on, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram, thanking her colleagues, but without mentioning Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fight and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as good and decent.
November 2023: Giovanni is said to be annoyed by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his behaviour.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from the rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods were not acceptable.
The BBC has issued a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any allegations of wrongdoing very seriously.
The corporation stands by its man after an emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states that he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close friend Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. It is alleged that the two celebrities, who previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, did not feel that the BBC was taking their problems with his methods seriously enough.
The couple have a closed-door meeting with Amanda where tears are said to have been shed.
May 2024: We find that Giovanni is leaving the program after talking to show bosses
He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown for a holiday
The BBC is launching an internal investigation after three complainants referred lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.
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