Laura Whitmore alleges ‘inappropriate behaviour’ during Strictly stint – The Irish Times

TV presenter Laura Whitmore alleges that she was subjected to “inappropriate behaviour” throughout her stint on Strictly Come Dancing.

The previous Love Island host, 39, was partnered with skilled dancer Giovanni Pernice in 2016, and was the seventh movie star eradicated.

Whitmore, who battled by an ankle damage through the early weeks of the BBC One present, claims she “raised issues” on the time.

Pernice, 33, has beforehand rejected “threatening or abusive behaviour” allegations made by Sherlock actress Amanda Abbington, who was partnered with him in 2023 earlier than he exited the present.

Whitmore, who grew up in Bray, Co Wicklow, wrote in an Instagram story on Saturday: “I used to be attempting to not touch upon latest press hypothesis till the BBC assessment is full however really feel there may be numerous misinformation within the press and I wish to assist and present assist by setting the file straight.

“I used to be requested to talk to the BBC together with six folks that I do know of (who deserve anonymity as they don’t wish to be dragged by the press), about inappropriate behaviour they skilled much like mine with the identical particular person.

“I initially raised issues again in 2016. I assumed my expertise was particular to me however I’ve since discovered I used to be unsuitable. The purpose of that is to point out a sample of behaviour that I consider must cease.

“My proof is to assist different individuals’s expertise. It’s a disgrace it takes this for somebody to be heard. I’m not searching for something simply an acceptance that what occurred to me within the rehearsal rooms throughout my time on BBC Strictly was unsuitable and that it gained’t occur to anybody else once more.

“As a result of I’ve not made an official criticism, and am offering proof of my expertise to assist the investigation, not all of the communication shall be handed on to all events concerned,” she stated.

She added that she is attempting to “set the file straight” by talking out.

“Sufferer blaming should cease or we’ll by no means get higher,” Whitmore additionally stated. “I’ve tried to talk up within the right approach. I do know the BBC and all retailers proceed to do their greatest to be higher, however for that to occur we should communicate up.”

A spokesman for Pernice beforehand stated: “We’re co-operating totally with the BBC’s assessment course of.

“All events have been requested to respect this course of and to not communicate to the media earlier than it concludes. We are going to proceed to respect the integrity of the investigation and consider it’s the proper discussion board for all of the proof to be reviewed. As a part of the evidence-led assessment, the BBC has shared the allegations they’ve been capable of substantiate with us.

“They don’t resemble Amanda’s newest allegations, given to Channel 4, in any form or type. Giovanni refutes any declare of threatening or abusive behaviour, and, having offered the BBC together with his proof, is assured that the assessment will show this.

“We might urge individuals to attend for the assessment’s conclusion and to not pay heed to those very critical and defamatory allegations that haven’t any proof in assist of them.”

On July sixteenth the BBC stated it might introduce measures to “strengthen welfare and assist” on the present, together with a chaperone who shall be current “always” throughout coaching room rehearsals.

A earlier assertion from the company stated: “Anybody concerned in a criticism has a proper to confidentiality and truthful course of and subsequently it might be inappropriate to remark additional on people.

“Nevertheless, when points are raised with us we at all times take them extraordinarily significantly and have applicable processes in place to handle this.

“As we’ve got stated earlier than, we’d urge individuals to not bask in hypothesis.

“Extra typically, the BBC and BBC Studios takes responsibility of care extraordinarily significantly.

“Our processes on Strictly Come Dancing are up to date yearly, they’re stored below fixed assessment, and final week we introduced extra steps to additional strengthen welfare and assist on the present.”

The BBC and Pernice have been contacted for remark. – PA