1 week Ago By Sami Quadri
Amanda Abbington is reportedly enraged with BBC bosses over their handling of the Giovanni Pernice bullying investigation. The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant, who partnered with Pernice in the last series, had accused the Italian dancer of bullying her during their time on the show . An investigation was subsequently launched, with findings expected to be released imminently .
However, as Pernice celebrates landing a new role on the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars, Abbington is said to be bracing for what she fears may be a "whitewash" report. A friend of the actress told The Sun: "As well as the probe taking so long, it feels like they are protecting Giovanni to save themselves and ignoring not only her experience but that of other women who've bravely come forward." The source added that Abbington was feeling "tired, upset and very angry" with the BBC's handling of her complaint.
"She is worried there will be a predictable whitewash and others will, once again, suffer from aggression and abuse," the insider revealed. Abbington and Pernice's partnership on Strictly was cut short after just five weeks, with health reasons initially cited for their departure. It later emerged that Abbington had found the professional dancer's behaviour during training sessions to be abusive.
In July, Abbington disclosed that she had been diagnosed with PTSD following what she described as "inappropriate behaviour" from Pernice. She said: "I found Giovanni's behaviour unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean. I couldn't sit back and let him do that to other people.
I had to think long and hard about making a complaint because I knew the backlash I would get. But I would not have been able to live with myself for future people going on that show." Pernice has consistently denied any wrongdoing but will not be returning for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
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