TV host Laura Whitmore has made claims of encountering unsuitable conduct during her participation in Strictly Come Dancing. The prior Love Island presenter, aged 39, teamed up with professional dancer, Giovanni Pernice in 2016, and ended up as the seventh celebrity to be knocked off the show.
Sustaining an ankle ailment in the initial phase of the BBC One program, Whitmore affirms that she had articulated her disquiet at the period. Pernice, 33, formerly dismissed assertions of intimidating or offending behaviour, accusations that were propelled by Sherlock’s Amanda Abbington, who danced with him in 2023 before his departure from the show.
Whitmore, originally from Bray, Co Wicklow, stated in an Instagram narrative on Saturday: “I was abstaining from commenting on contemporary press conjecture until the BBC investigation concludes. Nevertheless, I discern considerable discrepancies in the press, and aspire to rectify the record and project support.
“I was approached by the BBC along with six individuals that I’m privy to, deserving of anonymity, about unsuitable actions they encountered, which resembled my experience with the same individual. It was in 2016 that I voiced my apprehensions initially. I conceived my ordeal as a unique one but eventually realised my misapprehension. By revealing it, I hope to illuminate a behavioural pattern that requires cessation.”
“My statement is meant to substantiate others’ experiences. It’s regrettable that such an episode is required for someone to be recognized. I seek nothing but acknowledgement that what transpired within the rehearsal chambers during my period on BBC Strictly was unjust and should not recur.
“I’ve not lodged a formal complaint and hence my evidence would be rendered for investigation support, rather than a full disclosure to all implicated individuals,” she mentioned. She further underscored her motive of “clarifying the record” through her disclosure.
“The tendency to blame victims needs to halt for us to progress,” Whitmore further added. “Despite my attempt to voice out appropriately, I trust that BBC and all platforms persist in giving their best. However, for this to occur, outspokenness is essential.”
Previously a spokesperson for Pernice had confirmed, “We are wholly participating in the BBC’s review process.”
The request has been made to all parties involved to respect the procedure and avoid interacting with the press until the investigation has been concluded. The belief is that the investigation is the appropriate platform to scrutinise all evidence provided. The BBC has released the allegations they have confirmed as part of this evidence-based investigation.
The allegations presented to Channel 4 by Amanda are not echoed by these produced by the BBC. Giovanni denies any claims of appalling or threatening conduct, and having delivered his evidence to the BBC, he feels assured that the review will validate his assertions.
The plea is made to the public to await the investigation’s outcome and not to be swayed by these grave, defamatory claims which are without any supporting evidence.
On July 16th, BBC had announced its intent to implement methods to improve welfare and support on the show, which includes the constant presence of a chaperone during training room rehearsals.
The corporation issued a prior statement mentioning each individual involved in a complaint has rights to confidentiality and fair treatment, hence commenting on individuals would be unjust. However, serious matters are dealt with utmost rigor and adequate procedures are in place for management of such issues. The plea to refrain from speculation is repeated.
Furthermore, the matter of duty of care is taken very seriously by BBC and BBC Studios. The procedures present on Strictly Come Dancing are revised every year, constantly reviewed and earlier the previous week it was declared that additional steps would be taken to boost welfare and support on the show.
Attempts to contact BBC and Pernice for comments have been made. – PA