![Strictly's Giovanni Pernice releases statement amid reports of 'abusive or threatening' behaviour](https://images.ladbible.com/resize?type=webp&quality=70&width=3840&fit=contain&gravity=auto&url=https://images.ladbiblegroup.com/v3/assets/blt8bbf16c2d7a209e5/bltbd83f1412690c4e3/664b0d35c67abe43c3f08f19/Giovanni-Pernice-breaks-silence-on-abusive-and-threatening-behaviour-claims-allegations-with-statement.png)
Strictly Come Dancing's Giovanni Pernice has released statement amid allegations of 'abusive or threatening' behaviour.
A legal firm, named Carter-Ruck, has reportedly contacted the BBC regarding 'numerous serious complaints' about the professional dancer's alleged behaviour while filming the TV programme.
A statement from the law firm to the PA news agency reads: "There have been numerous serious complaints made to the BBC who are now in the process of evidence gathering.
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"As it is still an ongoing matter no further comment can be made at this stage."
The BBC has not yet commented on the matter.
![Giovanni Pernice has strongly rejected 'any suggestion' of 'abusive or threatening' behaviour on the BBC show. (Mike Marsland / WireImage / Getty Images)](https://images.ladbible.com/resize?type=webp&quality=70&width=3840&fit=contain&gravity=auto&url=https://images.ladbiblegroup.com/v3/assets/blt8bbf16c2d7a209e5/blt81927e13828ce28f/664b0d1536ba71489a86d260/giovanni-pernice-strictly.jpeg)
Since then, Pernice has come forward saying that he is 'surprised' by such reports about his teaching methods and also rejects 'any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour'.
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The 33-year-old dancer took to Instagram yesterday (19 May) to share with his 1.1 million followers a statement about the claims.
He began: "To my dear fans, you will be as surprised as I am that allegations have been made about my dance teaching methods in the media this week.
"Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name."
Pernice, who first joined the show in 2015 and won for the first time in 2021 with EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis, continued: "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.
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"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."
He then finished up the statement with a message thanking his fans, adding: "Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni."
Pernice previously addressed his alleged 'feud' with former partner, Amanda Abbington, for the first time back in January.
![Pernice and Amanda Abbington were dance partners on the show last year. (Instagram/@giovannipernice)](https://images.ladbible.com/resize?type=webp&quality=70&width=3840&fit=contain&gravity=auto&url=https://images.ladbiblegroup.com/v3/assets/blt8bbf16c2d7a209e5/bltec142a2cfb65a1f1/664b0c1c475c394547829c9f/giovanni-pernice.png)
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The 51-year-old Sherlock star, sensationally quit the much-loved competition mid-way through last year's series - reportedly much to the dismay of Pernice.
Since then, rumours of tension between the pair have been circling following various social media 'snubs' and a lack of transparency surrounding her exit.
Amanda thanked 'everyone on Strictly' for their love and support in a gushy post following her resignation announcement, which pointedly excluded Giovanni.
He himself later opened up about his sadness at not being able to continue in the competition.
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Amanda claimed at the time her shock departure from the series was due to 'personal reasons'.
BBC has declined to comment on the story.
Topics: Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity, TV And Film, BBC