BBC apologises to Abbington but her claims only partly upheld

The BBC has apologised to Amanda Abbington and upheld some of her complaints against her 2023 Strictly dance partner Giovanni Pernice, but cleared him of the most serious allegations.

While complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld, claims of physical aggression were not, BBC News understands.

The Sherlock actress called the BBC's apology a "vindication" of her complaint and said she hoped others would now feel "more confident" that they would be believed.

A source close to Pernice said he was "pleased that this has been thrown out", adding that the past nine months had been "torrid" for him.

In its statement, the BBC said that the production team did take steps to address the issues at the time but acknowledged that "ultimately, these were not enough".

"This is why the measures we have taken to further strengthen our existing protocols are so important," it said.

Abbington had previously accused Pernice of being "unnecessary, abusive, cruel and mean" during their rehearsals, which he had always strongly denied.

In a statement released on Monday, the BBC said it takes allegations of bullying and harassment "very seriously", adding the review into Abbington's complaints had taken time "due to its complex nature" and in order to ensure "a rigorous and robust process".

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

"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."

In recent media interviews, Abbington has said she first raised concerns about Pernice's behaviour with Strictly producers on her third day, and had "many" more discussions with programme bosses.

She eventually dropped out in week six, expressing her "deepest regret" at having to leave the show for "medical" and "personal reasons". She later lodged a formal complaint about Pernice.

The actress has since claimed the BBC had known about his behaviour for years. She has also said she and her family had received death threats after she spoke out.

Charlotte Moore, chief content officer for the BBC, told BBC News that it was "terrible" Abbington had been subjected to online abuse, and personally apologised to the actress twice.

Responding to the BBC's statement on Monday, Abbington said that coming forward "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. 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."

Abbington added that the BBC had invited her to meet with senior management and that she would be considering this.

"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."

A source close to Pernice said: "Gio is pleased that this has been thrown out after what has been a torrid nine months or so for him.

"From the outset, Giovanni has rejected any claims of threatening or abusive behaviour.

"While it appreciates that the BBC has likely decided to uphold some allegations to avoid the accusations of a 'whitewash' – they've upheld the weakest allegations put to him.'"

The BBC announced a string of new measures in July, include introducing chaperones in all rehearsal rooms, as well as including two new welfare producers on the show

Earlier this year, the BBC confirmed that Pernice would not return to the Strictly professional line-up for the new series.

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

Pernice has now joined his native Italy's talent dance show, Ballando con le Stelle.