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 multiple occasion, at the least one in all 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 Could 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 converse out till after the present, Abbington used a phrase that ladies are all too aware of, “I didn’t wish 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 evening’s largest TV present. Particularly one, the place every week, contestants gush over the way it looks like “Household”.
Think about although, getting the braveness to make that criticism, solely to be met with demise and rape threats by followers of the present. Followers who don’t know what any of the individuals they’re defending, are literally like. Not solely that, however think about coming ahead to reveal your alleged abuser and the very individuals in supposed energy, proceed to help him through the investigation.
What made me so indignant watching Abbington, was figuring out that every one 4 of Strictly’s judges have continued to publicly help 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 faculty.
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 Tradition’ argument, please take into account the ethics of investigating somebody’s behaviour within the office, when members of that office seem like being paid by the accused for work outdoors of their job.
Of their personal life the judges can help Giovanni all they need. In any case, they have been able of energy over him, so I’ve little question their experiences have been something however optimistic. However, in my view, there isn’t a 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 by no means current at any of the instructing”. He additionally added, “We’re saved very, very separate to the remainder of the corporate, so for us it’s full information”.
While the judges will not be concerned behind the scenes, to the viewers, they’ve all the facility. To not point out the celebrities, whose progress within the competitors is as reliant on these paddle boards as it’s the public vote.
