Amanda Abbington expresses disappointment with BBC over Giovanni bullying claims

Amanda Abbington has expressed her frustration with the BBC regarding the handling of her allegations against Giovanni Pernice, whom she accused of bullying during their time on Strictly Come Dancing. The investigation into these claims is expected to conclude soon, but Abbington fears the report may be a 'whitewash' that fails to address the seriousness of her complaints. A source close to her revealed that she feels the BBC is prioritizing Giovanni's reputation over the experiences of those who have come forward with similar allegations. The actress has been vocal about her negative experiences with Pernice, describing his behavior as abusive and cruel. After five weeks on the show, Abbington and Pernice left, citing health reasons, but she later disclosed that the real issue was the alleged bullying. This situation has taken a toll on her mental health, leading to a diagnosis of PTSD, which she attributes to Pernice's actions. Despite Giovanni's claims of innocence and his new role on the Italian version of Dancing with the Stars, Abbington remains deeply upset and angry about the investigation's duration and the perceived lack of support from the BBC. She worries that the organization is not taking the allegations seriously and that this could lead to further instances of aggression and abuse in the future. Abbington's decision to speak out was not made lightly, as she anticipated backlash. However, she felt compelled to act to protect future contestants from similar experiences, emphasizing the importance of addressing such serious complaints within the entertainment industry.