Strictly bosses were warned TWICE about Graziano Di Prima ‘abuse’ before dancer was sacked for ‘kicking’ Zara McDermott
STRICTLY bosses received two complaints last year about Graziano Di Prima’s abusive training style towards Zara McDermott — but only issued warnings.
Pro Graziano’s sacking was revealed at the weekend, with the BBC insisting it acted swiftly after seeing video footage of the abuse.
4
Strictly bosses were warned TWICE about Graziano Di Prima ‘abuse’ before dancer was sacked for ‘kicking’ Zara McDermottCredit: PA
4
Graziano could have been axed within 24 hours but bosses needed to speak to ZaraCredit: Splash
Yet insiders say no serious action was taken over the complaints raised last autumn, included allegations he hit, kicked and spat at Zara.
Graziano, 30, was fired after the claims against him emerged in the inquiry into fellow Italian pro Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the same series.
That probe began in May and Giovanni denies wrongdoing.
A source said last night: “This is a complete mess, and an unmitigated, utterly unprecedented disaster for the BBC.
“Graziano has held up his hands and admits his behaviour was extreme and unacceptable.
“He knows there is no return and quite rightly. Yet why was no action taken sooner to nip this situation in the bud?
“Graziano feels if he had received proper support and some sort of anger management training, an escalation could have been prevented.
“For the Beeb’s part, Graziano was not the only dancer being spoken to and they had absolutely no idea about the alleged kicking — which it is claimed happened twice — and as soon as they were alerted, they took decisive action and fired him.
“Graziano is in bits. He is being monitored 24/7 by his wife Giada and mum who has moved in to take care of him.
“This whole Strictly fiasco is getting increasingly toxic, and the BBC finds itself trying to complete an investigation while overseeing duty of care to all.”
Strictly’s Graziano Axed
The Sun on Sunday revealed Graziano had been sacked for gross misconduct.
We can also reveal it took just four days to axe him.
On Thursday, July 4, bosses were shown shocking video of clashes with ex-Love Islander Zara, 27.
They then held talks with Zara, but it was just before a weekend — and HR rules meant Graziano also had to be spoken to in person. He was then sacked on Monday, July 8.
An BBC insider said: “There was no procrastinating. The video evidence was completely and utterly undeniable. It only showed one incident, but it quickly became apparent from talking to Zara that verbal and physical abuse allegedly took place multiple times. She was incredibly brave.”
Last week it was announced ex-pro Aljaz Skorjanek is returning — which sparked speculation it was for Graziano. But Aljaz was rehired to replace Giovanni, as they are the same height.
Graziano’s replacement will be new, not a show veteran.
The BBC did not comment.
4
Ten days ago bosses were shown shocking video of Graziano’s clashes with ex-Love Islander ZaraCredit: Dan Charity
4
Graziano was fired after allegations against him emerged in the inquiry into Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the same seriesCredit: PA
GRAZIANO’S STATEMENT
I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly.
My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.
While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.
I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally.
When the time is right, I will share my story.
News
HOT: Liam Payne’s sister broke her silence, criticizing her brother as “an idiot” for ending his own life contrary to police conclusions.
Liam Payne’s sister Ruth Gibbins apologized for not being able to “save” him in a heartbreaking social media tribute following the former One Direction member’s shocking death…
SHOCKING: The hotel where Liam Payne “met his end” unexpectedly announced that the two people who brought him the “opioids” hidden in the soap dish are NOT hotel employees. “We have never hired these two individuals…”
In a shocking turn of events, the investigation into the unexpected death of Liam Payne has taken a new direction, prompting authorities to delve into the activities…
It seems the ‘groping’ scandal has left Wynne Evans feeling ‘unable to cope’ as he unexpectedly appeared looking more ‘haggard’ than ever ahead of the new episode of Strictly.
Wynne Evans, one of the celebrity contestants on Strictly Come Dancing, was seen looking visibly dejected as he made his way to Elstree Studios alone, without his professional…
Pain is hard to overcome: Harry Styles Breaks Down To Announce Retirement Immediately After Liam Payne’s Fall High Down At Hotel In Argentina
Iп a shockiпg tυrп of eveпts, the global mυsic iпdυstry was shakeп to its core today as Harry Styles, oпe of the most icoпic figυres iп moderп…
Liam Payne’s mother tearfully shared: The last time I called him, he told me with a trembling voice that he and his girlfriend were… See more
BUENOS ΑIRES, Αrgeпtiпa (ΑP) — Former Oпe Directioп siпger Liam Payпe, 31, whose chart-toppiпg British boy baпd geпerated a global followiпg of swooпiпg faпs, was foυпd dead…
HOT SAVE: Inside Liam Payne’s Hotel Suite, Shocking Photos Show Why Staff Had Balcony Concerns
Getty/Backgrid New photos from the hotel where Liam Payпe died from aп appareпt sυicide reveal why aп employee told police they were coпcerпed his room had a balcoпy ……
End of content
No more pages to load