Earlier this month, pro dancer Graziano di Prima was fired from the show after it was revealed he physically and verbally abused contestant Zara McDermott.
While Di Prima’s spokesperson apologised for his ‘Mistake’, McDermott’s statement alluded to more than one event, at least one of which was captured on camera.
As a Strictly and former Di Prima fan, this came as a huge shock. Especially when all eyes had been on Pernice, since Abbington’s complaint against the dancer became public news in May 2024, after quitting the show in October 2023.
Compared to the swift resolution of Di Prima, the BBC investigation into Pernice’s behaviour, feels like it has dragged on and on. With Pernice continuing to deny the allegations – following Abbington’s interview his spokesperson said there was no evidence to back her claims – all the while rumours of previous contestants coming forward about his behaviour persist.
When asked why she didn’t speak out until after the show, Abbington used a phrase that women are all too familiar with, “I didn’t want to rock the boat”.
I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to make a complaint against a man at work, let alone when that man is arguably the most popular male dancer on Saturday night’s biggest TV show. Especially one, where each week, contestants gush over how it feels like “Family”.
Imagine though, getting the courage to make that complaint, only to be met with death and rape threats by fans of the show. Fans who have no idea what any of the people they are defending, are actually like. Not only that, but imagine coming forward to expose your alleged abuser and the very people in supposed power, continue to support him during the investigation.
What made me so angry watching Abbington, was knowing that all four of Strictly’s judges have continued to publicly support Pernice. Whether that’s Shirley Ballas calling him, “An absolute gentleman” in an interview on Lorraine, Anton Du Beke appearing on tour with him or all four of them hosting classes with Pernice’s dance school.
That’s right, Pernice has a dance company called Ballando and for £100 a ticket, you can go to his upcoming workshops with Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabusi and Pernice himself.
Plus, back in June, Pernice hosted the same ‘Ballando with the judges’ workshops, except with Du Beke and Ballas.
Before anyone tries to hit me with the ‘Snowflake’ or ‘Cancel Culture’ argument, please consider the ethics of investigating someone’s behaviour in the workplace, when members of that workplace appear to be being paid by the accused for work outside of their job.
In their private life the judges can support Giovanni all they want. After all, they were in a position of power over him, so I have no doubt their experiences were anything but positive. But, in my opinion, there is no way they can do that publicly during this investigation, without causing not only bias, but preventing other contestants who may have suffered abuse, coming forward.
To be clear, I’m not in any way saying that the judges had any involvement in these complaints. In an interview for BBC Radio Wales, Revel Horwood said, “The judges are never present at any of the teaching”. He also added, “We’re kept very, very separate to the rest of the company, so for us it’s complete news”.
Whilst the judges may not be involved behind the scenes, to the viewers, they have all the power. Not to mention the celebrities, whose progress in the competition is as reliant on those paddle boards as it is the public vote.
