Giovanni Pernice ‘sent Strictly celeb partner “offensive” video’ before a live Saturday night show, BBC probe finds
A BBC probe into Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice was told that he sent a celebrity dance partner an ‘offensive’ video.
Their investigators were presented with the shock new revelation last week as part of their investigation into the professional dancer’s workplace conduct.
The Italian dancer, 33, is alleged to have sent the video over a WhatsApp message ahead of filming one of the live Saturday night shows.
It comes as the BBC launched an internal investigation last week into serious workplace misconduct after receiving complaints from previous dance partners, including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington.
They are being represented by £700-an-hour lawyers Carter Ruck.
A source said: “The BBC was told about the shocking video and that someone found the content to be completely inappropriate, grossly offensive.
“The BBC was told the celebrity was shocked and upset to receive it on a WhatsApp message, hours before the couple were meant to be dancing together on live television.
“They were told they felt intimidated by it.
“The women are being incredibly brave in speaking out against him, especially as a lot of them are going up against vicious messages from his loyal fans.”
Giovanni, who is being represented by London-based legal company Schillings, and the BBC declined to comment last night.
It comes as we can also reveal the BBC are using female experts in trauma and abuse to interview the women as their probe got underway last week.
Yesterday The Sun revealed how at least two of Gio’s dance partners accuse him of “brutal” training methods that left them “black and blue”.
They claim to have photographic evidence of their injuries ones which allegedly go beyond the “occupational hazards” of dancing, which Gio’s friends have cited.
Last weekend the Sun on Sunday revealed that Sherlock actress Amanda, 52, told pals her foot was bruised after being stamped on in training with Giovanni.
‘Toxic training’
His style of training was said to be “toxic” leaving her “sad and despondent.”
He has vehemently denied the allegations to date, issuing a statement last weekend.
He said: “Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
The women are being incredibly brave in speaking out against him
A source
“Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the last decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
“No one is more ambitious for my dance partners than me. I have always striven to help them be the very best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from a place of love and wanting to win ? for me and my dance partners.”
On Thursday Sicilian-born Gio, who quit the show earlier this month, was seen leaving his London home with a binbag of clobber, as girlfriend Molly Brown, 25, stepped out of the pad with a gold ring on her left hand.