Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Amanda Abbington has not ruled out taking legal action against the BBC following a review of her complaints against dance partner Giovanni Pernice. Abbington, who withdrew from the show last year citing personal reasons, alleged experiencing a toxic environment and inappropriate behaviour from Pernice. The BBC review upheld some of Abbington’s complaints but not all. In an interview with BBC Newsnight, Abbington mentioned that there are still unresolved issues from the report that she and her legal team are reviewing.
Abbington expressed that there was a significant reason some allegations against Pernice were not upheld, and her team will further investigate this matter. When asked about the possibility of suing the BBC, Abbington stated she is seeking guidance from her lawyer, who has been supportive throughout. The actress highlighted the misinformation circulating post the BBC report, emphasising the seriousness of the upheld allegations and the breaches of conduct within the organisation.
Acknowledging the apology from the BBC, Abbington revealed that many women have thanked her for speaking out about the workplace issues she faced. She clarified that her intention was not to cause trouble or harm the show but to address distressing experiences. Abbington stated that she loves Strictly but could not tolerate the upsetting situation any longer. The investigation into Abbington’s complaints against Pernice was launched earlier this year.
The BBC thanked Abbington for coming forward and outlined plans to strengthen protocols following the review. A spokesperson for Pernice welcomed the review’s outcome, reiterating his denial of the allegations. Abbington’s bravery in standing up against workplace issues has garnered support from women who have commended her actions. The actress commented on the importance of addressing such matters in a professional setting.
Efforts to resolve the unresolved issues from Abbington’s complaints are ongoing, with legal guidance being sought to navigate the situation. The impact of Abbington’s disclosures extends beyond her personal experience, as she highlighted the significance of addressing workplace concerns. The BBC and Pernice have been contacted for comment on the latest developments.