Amanda Abbington’s pal slams Giovanni Pernice for his silence on death threats to his Strictly partner
AMANDA Abbington's friends have said Giovanni Pernice's silence on her death threats is "deafening".
The Sherlock actor was partnered with Giovanni in Strictly Come Dancing this year, but quit the show over Giovanni's alleged "aggressive behaviour"
She claimed that she developed PTSD after starring on the show, but Giovanni has consistently denied the claims.
Since news broke that the BBC were investigating her complaints, Amanda has said she's received death and rape threats from trolls.
Amanda, 50, who is currently starring in a London play, is said to have been sent an email that warned her that she should retract her claims or "die on stage".
Speaking to the Mirror, a friend said: "Amanda has been receiving death and rape threats over all this, but Giovanni hasn't said anything.
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"You would have thought he would stand up and say 'Not in my name'. That would be the decent thing to do. His silence is deafening."
Her friends also said that Amanda is concerned the BBC will hide the findings of the investigation.
The conclusion of the review was expected to have been made public earlier this month, but the date clashed with disgraced Huw Edwards' court case over child abuse images.
A BBC source has said: "The Strictly report and the Huw Edwards case are entirely unrelated."
Amanda's friend said that the BBC "didn't want two catastrophes" in a short space of time.
"They delayed it because of Edwards. We can't imagine they'll do anything apart from carry on sitting on it and try to bury the investigation," they added.
Giovanni quit the BBC contest after Amanda made her complaints and has vowed to "clear his name".
In June he issued a stark message to fans on his Instagram page: "To my fans and followers. 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."
He then made reference to the start of his new tour, where he joined forces with Strictly BFF Anton Du Beke.
He said: "I am so happy to be back on tour.
"Thank you all for your continued support – you 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."
The Italian rounded off his message with the words: "With love, Giovanni."
It came after The Sun exclusively reported how Giovanni had made a "lewd" gesture to his dance partner during rehearsals.
Gio is facing claims he upset partner Amanda Abbington and others with crude remarks.
A source told us: “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.”
Those claims, first reported by The Sun on Sunday last month, are vehemently denied by Giovanni.
Last night a source close to the inquiry said: “The BBC is taking this extremely seriously.”
The source added: “Giovanni maintains he’s done nothing wrong, and Amanda insists everything she has told the BBC is true.
“So whatever decision the BBC comes to, it is unlikely to be the end of the matter.”
Meanwhile “training room researchers” will now sit in on rehearsals for eight hours a day across four days a week throughout the series.
A source said: “It will also be protocol for the researchers to move between different training rooms so they don’t become too pally with the professional dancers and celebrities.”
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A BBC spokeswoman said: “Our processes are kept under constant review.
“We will not be commenting on individuals.”
