GIOVANNI Pernice was seen smiling alongside an ex-Strictly co-star just hours before the BBC bullying report was published.

The professional dancer, 33, was spotted laughing with judge Craig Revel Horwood before details of the bombshell report – which upheld six allegations against him – were released this afternoon.

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Giovanni Pernice was spotted laughing with ex-Strictly co-star Craig Revel HorwoodCredit: BackGrid

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Craig stepped out in a casual light blue tracksuit, with black and red trainersCredit: BackGrid

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The pair were seen in LondonCredit: BackGrid

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They stopped to talk with fansCredit: BackGrid
The pair were seen outside a hotel in London, where they stopped to take photos with fans.

Craig stepped out in a casual light blue tracksuit, with black and red trainers.

Giovanni appeared in high spirits donning a Louis Vuitton top, dark blue jeans and a black bomber jacket.

After months of waiting, the findings of a probe into Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour upholds six out of 17 allegations against pro dancer Giovanni, according to the Mail.

The BBC has now apologised to Amanda over the Strictly bullying scandal.

It also finds instances of Giovanni using swear words, “belittling” language and giving negative feedback.

And the report concludes there there were two moments of “inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace”.

These incidents were made and received consensually as jokes, humour and compliments of Amanda dancing, the report finds.

In a recorded Instagram post this afternoon, Giovanni said he was “happy” as “none of the serious allegations” had been upheld against him.

The Italian added dancing is a “very difficult thing to do” and that sometimes he gets “frustrated”.

Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice breaks silence after BBC report upholds SIX bullying allegations against him
The 34-year-old claimed he always wanted “to get the best” out of his partners and “it’s called being professional”.

Her claims earlier this year threw the broadcaster’s flagship show into crisis, forcing it to launch a probe to limit the damage.

And celebs including Laura Whitmore, Zara McDermott and Ranvir Singh all came forward with fresh claims.

In a defiant statement, Amanda said: “As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice’s conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do.

“In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I’ve been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being ‘mad and unstable’.

“I’ve also received rape and murder threats and a bomb threat was sent to my place of work.

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It comes as…

BBC apologises to Amanda Abbington over Strictly bullying scandal
Amanda says she’s glad for apology but it isn’t enough
Giovanni breaks silence after report clears him of almost all allegations
Amanda reveals trolls said they’d kill her and sent her bomb threats

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“My family and children have also been subjected to threats and intimidation.

“Despite this vile abuse, I’ve never regretted coming forward, and today’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint.

“It’s not just a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing.

“I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.

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In an Instagram post this afternoon, Giovanni said he was ‘happy’ with the BBC reportCredit: Instagram

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Craig opted for a casual light blue tracksuitCredit: BackGrid

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Giovanni donned a Louis Vuitton top, blue jeans and a black bomber jacketCredit: BackGrid

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The professional dancer hugged a fanCredit: BackGrid
“The BBC has invited me to meet with senior management and this is something I will now be considering.”

Amanda added: “This apology means a great deal to me.

“So too does the fact that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that were put in place to support and protect me and past contestants were ‘not enough’.

“What matters most now is that lessons have been learned and that the BBC makes the changes they’ve promised, to ensure others don’t experience the same ordeal that I and others like me did.”

Giovanni Pernice’s full statement

Hello everyone, it’s me.

It’s over. It’s finished.

Six months, seven months of all of this. Seven months of reading everyday things in the newspaper and not be able to respond because I wanted to keep the confidentiality and privacy of the review, was a difficult time. It was difficult because, you know, reading stuff that were untrue, wasn’t the nicest time of my life lets be honest.

But today im happy because, you know, at the beginning there were very very serious allegations thrown out at me but as in today, none of the serious allegations have been upheld.

All the threatening, abusive, harassment behaviour allegations have not been upheld.

And today is a day, you know when we can all reflect because, you see, I appreciate that dancing is a very difficult thing to do. It’s a, it’s erm, it’s a sport, it’s something that is difficult in every possible way and sometimes you get frustrated, you know, as a teacher, as a dancer, as a performer. But the only reason why you get frustrated is because you care about what you do.

You know as a professional, as a teacher, I care about, I want to get the best out of my partner, and sometimes I do get frustrated. I think everybody around the world does the same thing, it’s called being professional and I love, I love doing that. You know even now with Bianca, I get frustrated, I think it’s a normal thing but then you get out the best and the results come forward.

But im happy because none of this serious allegation has been upheld.

I have to be honest, and with all of you because without, without your love, your messages, your support, your constant support, I don’t know if I would be able to even make this message right now.

I’m happy because today I can carry on to do what I was born to do, and I love to do which is entertain all of you, because this is my life. This is what I do, so im always grateful to all of you and just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart, and saying that I love you all and always, always thank you.

Gio x

It comes as the BBC report also concludes Giovanni was not abusive, did not make threats and was not intimidating.

The report finds there was no aggressive or physical contact between Giovanni and Amanda.

Amanda had complained that Giovanni sent her an inappropriate video on WhatsApp.

But the BBC did not upheld this complaint and did not find anything sexually inappropriate.

A spokesperson for Giovanni said the star was “pleased” by the report.

In a statement, the BBC said: “The BBC has now concluded its review into the complaints made by Amanda Abbington against Giovanni Pernice.

“We take any allegations of bullying and harassment very seriously and this review has taken time due to its complex nature and our desire to ensure a rigorous and robust process was undertaken.

“Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards.

“While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience.

“It is a great shame if this hasn’t been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show.

STRICTLY’S GIO CLEARED

By Issy Sampson

IT’S been a tense wait for Giovanni Pernice, but today the BBC’s official investigation into the Strictly Come Dancing bullying row finally cleared him of almost all of the abuse allegations.

Amanda Abbington has released a statement saying she’s not happy with the outcome – but now the BBC needs to draw a line under the whole ugly situation and move on.

The scandal has seen two dancers leave the show – and more accusations thrown around than a celebrity in a jive.

It’s also seen trolls send Amanda death threats and threaten her children – vile abuse that nobody should ever have to suffer through for simply quitting a TV show and speaking up.

Clearly, Amanda went through a lot and considers the way that Giovanni treated her to be unacceptable – and both the BBC and the dancer need to learn lessons from this situation.

The BBC has already made changes to training sessions, making sure dancers are never alone with the celebs and a chaperone is present at all times. The show’s pros are no doubt a lot more cautious in their teaching methods.

But this investigation needs to change the way all reality shows are run backstage – duty of care towards both stars taking part and backstage staff needs to be increased and upheld. Because if Strictly meets another scandal this big, it could be too damaged to survive.

“We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.

“We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part.

“We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.”

BBC boss Charlotte Moore said: “There were a number of complaints under our bullying and harassment policy.

“A number of those complaints have been upheld. Not all of them, but a number of them have been upheld.

“I’m not able to go into further detail on that, and there are very good reasons for that.

“It’s probably worth me just laying out the confidentiality of a complaints process.

“I think it is absolutely integral to the complaints process, and confidentiality needs to be respected out of fairness to everybody involved.

“But of course, we’re also trying to balance that with the desire to be open and to be transparent about the way our complaints processes work.

“Obviously in this case, there’s been lots of media speculation and lots of interest.

“So I think it’s really important that we’re as open and transparent as we can be about that process, which is why we’ve issued the statement.”

Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline

October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.

Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”

Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.

Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.

November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.

January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.

The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.

The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting

March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.

Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.

The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.

May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses

He leaves the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday

The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.

Giovanni, who quit in May, has since landed a new job on the Italian version of the show – proudly announcing the news on his Instagram last week.

He had quit following complaints from Amanda, who partnered him on the 2023 series.

Amanda left, saying she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on the show.

 

It comes after, Giovanni’s co-star Graziano Di Prima was sacked after video emerged of him kicking and spitting on his former celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

Previously, Zara broke her silence with a lengthy comment on the alleged “physical incidents”.

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Amanda revealed she was bombarded by hellish death and bomb threats amid the toxic Strictly scandalCredit: Rex
 

How The Sun led the way on the Strictly Come Dancing scandal

23 September 2023: The Sun reveals Amanda Abbington threatened to quit Strictly after a series of rows with her professional partner Giovanni Pernice

22 October 2023: Amanda pulls out of Strictly over medical reasons leaving bosses terrified she will quit

23 October 2023: The Sherlock actress pulls out of the competition and suggests struggle with mental health

30 December 2023: The Sun reveals Amanda Abbington was not invited back to BBC finale

7 January 2024: Amanda demands footage of her rehearsals with Giovanni as its revealed she has PTSD from appearing on the show

8 January 2024: The Sun reveals five more stars clashed with Giovanni as the BBC refuse to launch a probe into his conduct

14 January 2024: She tells The Sun On Sunday she’s had death threats

17 March 2024: Amanda hires top legal firm Carter Ruck and meets with Giovanni’s ex-partners to share their “difficult experiences”

17 May 2024: The Sun reveals Giovanni has sensationally quit the show following the bust ups with Amanda

18 May 2024: Insiders confirm to The Sun that the BBC has finally launched an investigation after three stars speak to Carter Ruck – who in turn contact the Beeb as they start “evidence gathering”

19 May 2024: The Sun reveals extent of Amanda’s complaints – including confession over “toxic” training sessions – as Giovanni says he “rejects any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour”.

22 May 2024: The BBC start scouring nine years’ of footage from Giovanni rehearsals, The Sun reveals

23 May 2024: The Sun reveals Giovanni has hired defamation specialists Schillings to defend his name

26 May 2024: The BBC investigation reveals evidence Giovanni sent a celebrity dance partner an offensive video clip

2 June 2024: The Sun reveals how BBC bosses suggested Amanda and Giovanni’s rehearsals were recorded after crisis meetings

6 June 2024: A male celebrity is confirmed by The Sun to have joined the female stars in speaking up about Giovanni

9 June 2024: We reveal how Giovanni is accused of blocking the release of the rehearsal tapes

16 June 2024: BBC investigators hear how Giovanni grabbed his crotch in front of dance partners

17 June 2024: The Sun reveals how the BBC have called upon two former police detectives to help with the probe

23 June 2024: The Sun confirms Amanda has called in police after death threats following her decision to take action

14 July 2024: We reveal Graziano Di Prima was sacked for gross misconduct after claims he kicked Zara McDermott

14 July 2024: BBC bosses received two complaints about Graziano’s training style but only issued him warnings

20 July 2024: The Sun tells how BBC bosses fear a possible £1million injury bill from stars lining up with claims of loss of earnings and physical and mental harm

21 July 2024: In a bombshell interview with us, Amanda brands Giovanni “abusive, cruel and mean”

22 July 2024: Paralympian Will Bayley blasts Strictly bosses in The Sun after injuring himself in a horror fall on the show

27 July 2024: The Sun reveals how Giovanni has a bombshell 6 ½ minute recording he believes could clear his name, as Amanda is heard apologising for being a “nightmare” on the tape

28 July 2024: Laura Whitmore turns on the BBC and says he first raised concerns in 2016 and confirms she is helping the investigation

4 August 2024: Cops confirm they are investigating a bomb threat after Amanda Abbington is told she would “die on stage” unless she withdrew her complaint

11 August 2024: Amanda is quizzed for a second time by investigators

12 August 2024: The Sun reveals Giovanni is on the brink of being totally cleared but last ditch disclosure from Amanda plunges probe into chaos

24 August 2024: Graziano calls in Whitestone Chambers to try and clear his name

1 September 2024: Giovanni tried to contact Amanda during the investigation in a shock twist

8 September 2024: The Sun reveals how Amanda has branded the BBC a boys club over fears they would side with Giovanni in the bullying probe

11 September 2024: Insiders tell The Sun the Strictly Professionals tour has been axed in the wake of the scandal amid fears of further crises

30 September 2024: The Sun breaks bombshell probe findings as the report upholds six claims against him and BBC issue apology to Amanda