BBC Apologizes to ‘Sherlock’ Actor Over ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Bullying Allegations, Upholds Some Complaints
K.J. Yossman The BBC has apologized to “Sherlock” actor Amanda Abbington after upholding some of her complaints regarding bullying on competition series “Strictly Come Dancing.” “Strictly,” the U.K.
equivalent of “Dancing With the Stars,” is one of the broadcaster’s most popular and longest-running formats. But it has been mired in controversy former contestants, including Abbington, claimed they had been bullied and harassed on the show.
The BBC said it would investigate after Abbington made specific allegations regarding her dance partner Giovanni Pernice. Now the corporation has confirmed it has “upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.” “We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part,” the statement continued. “We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.” Earlier this summer Abbington said she was still suffering from PTSD after taking part in the show for four weeks before dropping out due to a combination of ill-health and bullying.
At the time, Pernice, who has since been dropped from the show, denied the allegations. “It wasn’t what I expected it to be,” she said of her experience on the show, adding that after she initially made producers aware of Pernice’s behaviour they set up cameras in the rehearsal room so they could review the footage.
