BBC apologises to Amanda Abbington over Strictly verbal bullying by Giovanni Pernice, but he is cleared of physical aggression

Responding to the BBC’s assertion, Abbington mentioned that coming ahead “was not a straightforward factor to do”.

“Within 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 additionally obtained rape and homicide threats and a bomb risk was despatched to my administrative center. My household and kids have additionally been subjected to threats and intimidation.

“Regardless of this vile abuse, I’ve by no means regretted coming ahead, and right now’s apology from the BBC is a vindication of my grievance.

“It’s not only a vindication for me, it’s a vindication for the opposite individuals who have contacted me since I made my grievance to precise considerations about their very own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing. I hope those that have felt unable to talk out now will likely be extra assured that they are going to be listened to and believed.”

Abbington added that the BBC had invited her to fulfill with senior administration and that she can be contemplating this.

“This apology means an incredible deal to me. So too does the truth that the BBC have acknowledged the steps that had been put in place to help and shield me and previous contestants had been “not sufficient”.

“What issues most now’s that classes have been realized and that the BBC makes the modifications they’ve promised, to make sure others don’t expertise the identical ordeal that I and others like me did.”

In a press release, Pernice mentioned: ‘I’m glad the evaluate has lastly come to an finish. I am relieved that the allegations that I used to be threatening and abusive had been discovered to not be true.

“The vast majority of the false allegations have been thrown out by the evaluate. It has been an especially tough yr, studying story after story and never with the ability to say something in return as I revered the integrity of the evaluate, which the BBC requested everybody to do.”

He added that he beloved his time on Strictly and made “wonderful reminiscences”.

“I’m grateful to all those that have supported me at the moment – I actually don’t understand how I’d have gotten by way of this with out the love and perception of my household, mates, colleagues and followers.”

The BBC introduced a string of latest measures in July, embrace introducing chaperones in all rehearsal rooms, in addition to together with two new welfare producers on the present.

Earlier this yr, the BBC confirmed that Pernice wouldn’t return to the Strictly skilled line-up for the brand new collection.

The brand new collection of Strictly Come Dancing launched on BBC One earlier this month.

Pernice has now joined his native Italy’s expertise dance present, Ballando con le Stelle.