FORMER Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice grabbed his crotch in front of dance partners during rehearsals, BBC investigators have been told.
He is also facing claims he upset partner Amanda Abbington and other celebrities by making lewd remarks.
2
Giovanni Pernice pictured with Amanda Abbingdon on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA
2
Ex-Strictly pro Gio and actress Amanda in rehearsals for the BBC showCredit: Eroteme
The team investigating the bullying allegations has heard evidence that he made Amanda feel distressed when telling her in a crude manner if she danced well in rehearsals.
Last night a source said: “The BBC inquiry has been told Giovanni’s lewd behaviour wasn’t limited solely to Amanda — he did similar to other dance partners as well.
“It’s alleged he would grab his crotch in front of them if they did something good in rehearsals.”
The new claims come after we revealed the BBC was looking into complaints of bullying against Giovanni from three former celebrity partners, including Sherlock actress Amanda and TV presenter Laura Whitmore.
Amanda’s lawyer at top legal firm Carter Ruck made a formal complaint to the BBC on her behalf.
Among the other allegations said to have been heard by the BBC inquiry are that a mobile phone was thrown during a training session with Amanda, and her foot was left bruised after being stamped on.
She claims her ordeal left her with PTSD — and has come off social media after being targeted by trolls.
Giovanni, who quit the show last month, denies all the allegations.
There is no suggestion of inappropriate s3xual behaviour. Both were approached for comment.
The BBC said: “It is our longstanding position that we do not comment on specific matters relating to individuals.”
In a statement posted to Instagram, Giovanni Pernice said: “To my fans and followers, every week there are totally untrue stories about me in the media.
“As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.
“I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
“I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – your messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name.”
News
Sinitta SH0CKS Loose Women panel with X-R@T3D comment about new BOYFRIEND
Sinitta stunned the Loose Women panel today when she opened up about her new relationship. The Toy Boy star, 60, who used to date media mogul Simon Cowell, has been single for 10 years, but is now delighted with her new man, who…
FATHER CAUSES FURY Tommy Fury’s dad John made CRUEL comment about Molly-Mae and DEFENDED his son during the couple’s SH0CK SPLIT
TOMMY Fury’s dad John once made a cruel comment about Molly-Mae “not being a wife” – appearing to predict the couple would split YEARS before they broke up. The influencer, 25, ended her five-year relationship after being sent an upsetting video of…
MAE DAY Molly-Mae accused of ‘FAKING HOLIDAY’ with Tommy Fury before SPLIT as fans spot TWO HUGE CLUES
MOLLY-MAE’s fans shared a wild theory she faked a holiday with Tommy Fury before their split. The former Love Island stars, both 25, split last week after five years together. Your info will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy…
MOVING ON Molly-Mae Hague’s ‘ULTIMATE REVENGE’ on Tommy Fury with new MONEY-SPINNING move in America
Determined Molly Mae Hague is poised to deliver the ultimate knockout blow to dumped Tommy Fury by conquering America. Boxer Tommy, 25, was embarrassingly denied entry to the States last year for a fight after American authorities refused an entry visa after background…
Katie Price’s children ‘ANGRY’ as mum becomes a ‘LAUGHING STOCK’ over new surgery
Katie Price’s children have urged her to stop after she underwent her latest £10,000 facelift. The former glamour model is no stranger to plastic surgery but it’s reported her children want to put a stop to her mum’s desire to…
EXCLUSIVE: Molly-Mae HUMILIATED Tommy Fury, then played the VICTIM, Trust me, there’s more to this SPLIT than meets the eye…
After Molly-Mae Hague’s shock Instagram announcement that her five-year relationship with Tommy Fury was over amid rumours of his infidelity, her eight million fans were so distraught that some said they were ‘actually sobbing’ over the death of the fairytale….
End of content
No more pages to load