Amanda Abbington is considering taking legal action against the BBC for loss of earnings and damages following the outcome of its investigation into allegations of bullying by Strictly star Giovanni Pernice, according to reports.
The actress, who quit the popular BBC dance show last year citing “personal reasons,” has claimed the programme created a “toxic environment” rife with “inappropriate, mean, and nasty bullying.”
Giovanni Pernice was cleared of allegations of threatening and abusive behaviour after the BBC probed complaints made against him. On Monday, September 30, the corporation published its findings and apologised to Abbington, the Mirror reports.
The BBC apologised to Amanda after it “upheld some, but not all” claims about the Italian dancer during her time on the dance show, upholding six out of 17 complaints she raised.
The investigation found instances of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace”, including one incident where Pernice made an improper gesture, breaching corporation policies.
Responding to the BBC’s announcement, Amanda said speaking out “was not an easy thing to do”. The BBC stated: “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.”
A source close to Amanda disclosed: “Amanda is delighted and relieved, and feels her decision to speak out and complain has been rewarded. She hopes other celebrities might come forward now, safe in the knowledge they, too, will be listened to.”
The insider informed The Sun: “Amanda has been through hell and lost work as a result of going public, and is considering taking further action against the BBC for damages and loss of earnings. Amanda suffered enormously, got formally diagnosed with PTSD, and feels the BBC breached its duty of care guidelines by not protecting her sooner.
“It’s hard to put a figure on how much she could expect if things go her way, but it could be up to £300,000. Obviously this would be the BBC’s worst nightmare; this has already been a costly investigation, and Strictly’s reputation has taken a walloping.”
A representative for Giovanni commented: “We are pleased this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour. Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations put to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing With The Stars in Italy this season.”
Since leaving Strictly in May, Giovanni Pernice has snagged a role on Italy’s Dancing With The Stars, teaming up with Bianca Guaccero. There’s buzz that he might make an unexpected return to Strictly, but those close to him hint that his previous experiences have left a sour taste.
A friend of Giovanni’s shared: “Giovanni feels he was thrown to the wolves, and is very bruised by some of the claims made by previous partners against him. He has always maintained his innocence so right now the thought of going back to Strictly seems outlandish.
“Only four allegations against him were upheld for bullying, plus two sexual complaints, but he feels there was context to these, and he was only ever joking. Not to belittle Amanda’s experience, which is valid, but Giovanni feels like he could have been supported better too.”
Strictly celebrated its 20th anniversary with a comeback on September 14, and rehearsals now include chaperones.
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