SEVERAL of Giovanni Pernice’s former Strictly co-stars have today broken their social media silence – after the axed star vowed to clear his name.
Gio, 33, is being investigated by the BBC after at least three of his former celebrity partners made complaints about him.
The Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer denied the claims in a statement released on Instagram, stating that he “rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and looked forward to clearing his name”.
It comes after fans have been left convinced that stars of the show have been banned from supporting Giovanni.
Now several of his fellow pros have broken their social media silence amid the ongoing row.
Whilst still not addressing Gio, Karen Hauer has posted that she is enjoying a break with her boyfriend.
Carlos Gu shared a picture of him and fellow Strictly star Dianne Buswell.
Jowita Przystał posted a selfie, and Gorka Marquez revealed he was in the recording studio.
While some celebrities, including Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing, have publicly thrown their support behind Gio, fans have noticed that his co-stars are yet to comment.
Some have suggested this could be down to the BBC’s strict impartiality rules.
Writing on Reddit, one said: “I could be wrong, but maybe the other pros and judges are not allowed to comment/like because as BBC employees, they have to be seen to be impartial.”
Another said: “I suspect everyone has been told not to comment to try and stop the story.”
Three of Gio’s former celebrity partners – including Laura Whitmore and Amanda Abbington – have come forward to make formal complaints about the Italian dancer, claiming they were left “traumatised” by the experience of working with him.
It’s since been claimed others may join them as the investigation continues, with the third partner who’s come forward not named.
Gio quit the upcoming series of Strictly ahead of the damning claims made against him.
In his statement on social media, he wrote: “To my dear fans, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.
“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,” he continued. “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. Thank you all once again for your continued love and support!”
Giovanni Pernice Strictly scandal timeline
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024:Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He flees the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”.