FORMER Strictly pro Giovanni Pernice grabbed his crotch in front of dance partners during rehearsals, BBC investigators have been told.
He is also facing claims he upset partner Amanda Abbington and other celebrities by making lewd remarks.
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Giovanni Pernice pictured with Amanda Abbingdon on Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA
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Ex-Strictly pro Gio and actress Amanda in rehearsals for the BBC showCredit: Eroteme
The team investigating the bullying allegations has heard evidence that he made Amanda feel distressed when telling her in a crude manner if she danced well in rehearsals.
Last night a source said: “The BBC inquiry has been told Giovanni’s lewd behaviour wasn’t limited solely to Amanda — he did similar to other dance partners as well.
“It’s alleged he would grab his crotch in front of them if they did something good in rehearsals.”
The new claims come after we revealed the BBC was looking into complaints of bullying against Giovanni from three former celebrity partners, including Sherlock actress Amanda and TV presenter Laura Whitmore.
Amanda’s lawyer at top legal firm Carter Ruck made a formal complaint to the BBC on her behalf.
Among the other allegations said to have been heard by the BBC inquiry are that a mobile phone was thrown during a training session with Amanda, and her foot was left bruised after being stamped on.
She claims her ordeal left her with PTSD — and has come off social media after being targeted by trolls.
Giovanni, who quit the show last month, denies all the allegations.
There is no suggestion of inappropriate sexual behaviour. Both were approached for comment.
The BBC said: “It is our longstanding position that we do not comment on specific matters relating to individuals.”
Strictly legend defends Giovanni Pernice after he quits show – but outspoken ex-star says ‘there’s no smoke without fire’In a statement posted to Instagram, Giovanni Pernice said: “To my fans and followers, every week there are totally untrue stories about me in the media.
“As you know, I have always rejected any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour. The latest accusations are simply false.
“I am cooperating fully with the ongoing BBC investigation, which will determine the truth. As requested, I have stayed silent, but I am looking forward to the conclusion of the investigation and ultimately clearing my name and establishing the truth.
“I am so happy to be back on tour. Thank you all for your continued support – your messages and love mean so very much to me. I will hopefully see many of you very soon and I look forward to clearing my name.”
Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green believes that two-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson deserves more credit for generating hype around the league than she’s being given.
Green waded into the discourse surrounding the marketability and increased attention on the league ever since the arrival of Indiana Fever phenom Caitlin Clark.
The NBA star believes that the league hasn’t found a way to properly market Wilson and described her as a ‘goldmine’.
‘I’m not saying Caitlin Clark is the best thing since sliced bread, quite frankly. If you want my opinion, that’s A’ja Wilson,’ Green said on an episode of his podcast.
‘If you want my honest opinion, best thing since sliced bread in the WNBA, to me, is A’ja Wilson.’
Draymond Green believes that the WNBA is sitting on a goldmine that they haven’t tapped yet
Wilson was the top overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft and was named Finals MVP after leading Las Vegas to back-to-back league titles back in October.
‘A’ja Wilson is great,’ Green said. ‘And by the way, A’ja Wilson to me is the American dream. Come from a two-parent household, grew, got better, young Black girl, had everything against her, beat the odds to become what soon will be known as the greatest player to ever grace the WNBA. That’s quite honestly my opinion.’
He continued: ‘I think A’ja Wilson is as marketable as anybody in the WNBA, but you have to figure out how to market the product…
‘So, yeah I’m not going to sit up here and act like Caitlin Clark ain’t done nothing for the WNBA. That’s bulls**t. Yes she has. She’s going to continue to. No, I’m not of the assumption it’s only her.
‘I think y’all got a gold mine in the WNBA sitting right there, marketable as anybody in A’Ja Wilson and haven’t figured out how to make it go.
‘Ain’t A’Ja fault, by the way. Ain’t A’Ja fault. A’Ja got a lot about her that is as marketable as can be. And by the way, soon to be the best WNBA player to ever play.’
Wilson (22) is on track to win her third WNBA MVP after dominating the league so far
Last month, Wilson offered her thoughts on the ‘marketability’ debate after Clark – a rookie in the league – got a signature shoe before she did.
Wilson believes that Clark being a white player is ‘a huge thing. I think a lot of people may say it’s not about Black and White, but to me, it is.’
‘It really is because you can be top notch at what you are as a Black woman, but yet maybe that’s something that people don’t want to see.
‘They don’t see it as marketable, so it doesn’t matter how hard I work. It doesn’t matter what we all do as Black women, we’re still going to be swept underneath the rug. That’s why it boils my blood when people say it’s not about race because it is.’
Wilson looks to be on-track to re-claim the MVP Award she won in 2020 and 2022 as she currently leads the league in both points (27.9) and rebounds (12.4) per game.
The US women’s basketball team is urgently considering putting Caitlin Clark on the American losam osher after facing a financial crisis, kusing tens of millions of
dollars in advertising money after eliminating star player Caitlin Clark
The US women’s basketball team is urgently considering putting Caitlin Clark on the American team roster after facing a financial crisis, losing tens of millions of dollars in advertising money after eliminating star player Caitlin Clark
In a shocking development that has reverberated throughout the sports world, the USA women’s basketball team finds itself grappling with a staggering financial blow after the controversial removal of star player Caitlin Clark. The decision, which has sparked idespread outrage and dismay, has resulted in the loss of nearly $500 million in endorsements, underscoring the protound influence of individual athletes on team finances and public perception.
Caitlin Clark, renowned for her exceptional skills and charismatic presence, had become a linchpin for the tearn’s sponsorship deals. As a standout player for the Indiana Fever Fever Fever in the WNBA, Clark’s on-court prowess and off-court appeal had made her not only a fan favorite but also a highly sought-after figure for endorsement opportunities.
Her dynamic playing style, coupled with her engagement in social causes and community activities, had solidified her status as a role model and influencer in women’s basketball
The decision to remove Clark from the USA women’s basketball team has triggered a rapid and severe response from sponsors.
Major brands, initially drawn to the team largely due In Clark’s marketability, have swiftly reconsidered their financial commitmusds, This abrupt withdrawal of endorsements, folaling closer to halt a billion dollars, has left the team scrambling to fill the financial void and maintain its operational capabilities
Endorsement deals are pivotal in supporting various aspects of a sports team’s infrastructure, including training facilities, coaching staff, travel expenses, and promotional activities. The loss of such substantial funding not only jeopardizes the leam’s immediate financial stability but also threatens the long-term growth and sustainability of women’s basketball at all levels, from grassroots programs to professional leagues
Public reaction to Clark’s removal has been overwhelmingly negative, manifesting in social media campaigns and widespread calls for the decision to be reversed. Hashtags such as #Bring BackCaitlin and #SupportUSAWomen have trended globally, highlighting the groundswell of support for Clark and the deep disappointment in the team’s management.
The fallout from this controversy extends beyond financial implications, affecting the team’s public image and future prospects, Sports analysts and commentators have scrutinized the decision, questioning its rationale and the internal dynamics at play.
This incident underscores the delicate balance between athletic performance and financial backing in the realm of sports, emphasizing the profound impact that star athletes can have on a team’s success and reputation. Looking ahead, the USA women’s basketball team faces the arduous task of rebuilding trust with sponsors and fans alike
Transparent communication regarding the reasons behind Clark’s removal and a concerted effort to demonstrate the team’s commitment to excellence and integrity will be critical in navigating this crisis. For Caillin Clark, while the current situation poses challenges, it also presents opportunities for her to explore individual sponsorship deals and further enhance her personal brand. Her resilience and continued success in the sport could pave the way for new partnerships and endorsements, contributing to her enduring influence in women’s basketball.
In conclusion, the fallout from Caitlin Clark’s removal from the USA women’s basketball team serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of athletes, teams, and sponsors in the modern sports landscape. It underscores the need for careful consideration and strategic decision-making in managing star players, ensuring that such decisions align with the team’s goals and resonate positively with stakeholders. As the team navigates this turbulent period, its ability to rebound financially and rehabilitate its public image will be pivotal in shaping the future trajectory of women’s basketball on the global stage