Amanda Abbington ‘considering suing BBC for damages’ after Strictly bullying probe

Amanda Abbington is considering suing the BBC after the verdict came through on the Strictly Come Dancing bullying investigation, it has been reported.

Professional dancer Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards the 50-year-old actress – and his dance partner in 2023 – was investigated by the BBC, and a verdict was reached on Monday September 30.

While broadcaster upheld some of Abbington’s complaints towards Pernice, 33, he was cleared of the most serious accusations.

The actress, who pulled out of the BBC One show last year citing ‘personal reasons’, later claimed she was subject to a ‘toxic environment’ and ‘inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying’.

There were no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, the PA news agency understands.

The BBC issued an apology to Abbington, and it is now reported that she is considering legal action against the broadcaster.

Abbington told The Sun: ‘I want to take the time to consider the report in detail with my advisers before deciding what happens next.’

A source told the publication that while Amanda is ‘delighted and relieved’ that some of her accusations were upheld, and feels her decision to speak out has been rewarded, she’s been ‘through hell and back and lost work’ as a result of going public.

They added that Abbington ‘is considering taking further action against the BBC for damages and loss of earnings,’ adding: ‘Amanda suffered enormously, got formally diagnosed with PTSD, and feels the BBC breached its duty of care guidelines by not protecting her sooner.’

Complaints were brought by Abbington against Pernice earlier this year, and he has since left Strictly and rejected ‘any claim of threatening or abusive behaviour’.

It seems while Abbington is ‘delighted’ with the result of the investigation, so is Pernice, as he took to social media with a video saying how ‘happy’ he was none of the serious allegations against him were upheld.

On wrapping up the probe, 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.

‘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.’

Responding to the report, Abbington said in a statement: ‘As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.

‘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, it’s a vindication 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.

‘The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering.

‘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.’

A spokesperson for Pernice also said he was ‘pleased’ after the review, sharing in a written statement to PA: ‘We are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni.

‘Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.’