Strictly Come Dancing’s Giovanni Pernice has been accused of sending a “former celebrity partner an offensive video ahead of live show”, BBC bosses have been told.
BBC have launched a probe into the claims of “serious misconduct” made against the dancer.
The ex-Strictly dancer came under fire in recent months for his “militant approach to training” after his dance partner Amanda Abbington left the show abruptly – leading to an investigation into his behaviour.
BBC
On Tuesday, Korina Travis, who previously worked with Giovanni outside of the BBC show, accused the Italian dancer of behaving questionably when they were colleagues.
Other previous partners who have spoken out against him include Laura Whitmore who claimed she “cried every day” while training with him, and Ranvir Singh who said she had a “total meltdown” during rehearsals with him.
The BBC has now launched an investigation into the claims against the professional dancer, who sources say is a “perfectionist” and can be “incredibly full-on.”
Last week, the BBC‘s team are said to have been informed that the 33-year-old sent the clip via WhatsApp before one of the series’ Saturday live shows.
However, according to The Sun, Giovanni did not make, commission or appear in the video.
A source told the outlet: “The BBC was told about the video clip and that someone found the content 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, especially as a lot of them are going up against vicious messages from his loyal fans.”
A source told The Sun: “This is all-out war. These women — and there are more in conversations with Carter Ruck — are being incredibly brave in taking a stand.”
“Despite this, they are getting enormous stick from Gio’s loyal fans, claiming they are savagely out to end a man’s career, and effectively being snowflakes.”
“This is unheard of in a supposedly wholesome competition.”
“There are allegedly photos of them with black and blue limbs which are expected to form part of their lawyer’s dossier of evidence.”
It is also alleged that Giovanni sent at least two of the women “one or two deeply unpleasant messages” which they have kept a record of.
