GIOVANNI Pernice has furiously hit back at allegations of abuse on Strictly Come Dancing – and instructed lawyers to help clear his name.
The under-fire dancer, who has faced a string of allegations from several former partners, has also confirmed the BBC is investigating the matter, and he is “fully cooperating” with the Corporation.
While it sets up a battle royal with his accusers’ legal big guns at rival firm Carter Ruck, it appears to be too late to stop his Adventures With series alongside Anton Du Beke being shelved by the BBC.
In a statement, Schillings, which, apart from the royals, has represented JK Rowling, Brad Pitt, Naomi Campbell and Liz Hurley, confirmed for the first time the BBC was investigating.
A spokesperson Schillings told The Sun: “Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm that Giovanni is fully cooperating with that process.
“As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.”
The claims against Giovanni, 33, is the biggest scandal to rock Strictly in its 20-year history.
Last week The Sun revealed Giovanni had quit the show after nine successful years on the programme.
At least three women – Amanda Abbington, Laura Whitmore and one, as yet, unnamed partner – have employed Carter Ruck to make their case heard.
Sherlock actress Amanda, who quit last year’s series early, said she had mild PTSD from working with him on the show.
All parties are paying the eye-watering legal costs themselves, with the final figure likely to reach upwards of £100,000.
While the BBC refuses to comment, a source said: “Giovanni remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong bar being a perfectionist, and a hard taskmaster.
“He wants to hear what allegations these claimants have against him but is adamant he will clear his name.
“The only substantive claim against him to date is that he stomped on someone’s foot — he believes this is an occupational hazard and he’s done nothing intentionally wrong.
“He’s come out all guns blazing so it’ll be fascinating to see what evidence the other camp have.
“But Carter Ruck wouldn’t have taken on this case if they didn’t believe any wrongdoing was involved.
“Whatever happens, the BBC is under huge pressure to ensure this mess never, ever happens again if the show is to remain on air in its current form.”
Meanwhile, the scandal appears to have brought Giovanni’s work with the BBC to a halt.
Insiders said he and Strictly judge Anton, 57, had discussions about where their Adventures With series could head next.
But Giovanni has now been advised he will not get another series. Plans for any shows with the star are understood to be on ice, pending the findings of the BBC’s investigation.
A source said: “It’s embarrassing because he’d actively hinted about getting another run but all discussions are off and he’s been told the show is on the scrap heap.”
The Sun can also reveal he has shuffled his support team, signing with talent agency Off Limits — which represents Love Island stars such as Gemma Owen — to try to rebuild his reputation.
An insider said: “Giovanni is trying to rebuild and save face. This is all very damaging to his brand and he has pulled in a new team to try and help him out.
“He was previously looked after by a skilled public relationships expert but their working relationship ended earlier this month.
“Giovanni hopes this new company can help him but it’s not going to be an easy task.”
There has been little public support for Giovanni from his Strictly co-stars, with no other dancer speaking up for him.
And earlier this week, former partner Korina Travis, 29, said: “He has done horrendous things to me. I’m glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is.”
And another insider said concerns had been raised during a 2018 tour, adding: “With Gio, it’s very Jekyll and Hyde.”
October 2023: Amanda abruptly withdraws from Strictly having already missed one live show. Her departure is announced in a vague BBC statement that ‘wishes her the best’.
Giovanni posts a short message on social media addressing the exit, which read: “Amanda… I am so sad we can’t continue but I am proud of what we achieved and I am sending you so much love.”
Amanda then shares her own farewell statement on Instagram thanking co-stars but failing to mention Gio.
Giovanni’s dad Piero insists there were no signs of a fall out and the pairing could have gone all the way. He praised his son as kind and polite.
November 2023: Giovanni is reportedly gutted by the situation and is considering his Strictly future as questions are raised about his conduct.
January 2024: Amanda’s PTSD diagnosis comes to light and she demands CCTV from rehearsals to prove that Giovanni’s training methods weren’t acceptable.
The BBC issues a statement defending its duty of care to contestants, insisting it takes any claims of wrongdoing very seriously.
The Corporation stands by its man after emergency meeting
March 2024: Giovanni publicly states he has no intention of leaving Strictly in a TV interview with close pal Anton du Beke.
Ranvir Singh and Laura Whitmore enter the picture. Allegedly the two celebs, who were both previously partnered with Giovanni on Strictly, didn’t feel the BBC took their issues with his methods seriously enough.
The pair have a closed meeting with Amanda where tears are said to be shed.
May 2024: We reveal Giovanni is leaving the programme after having talks with show bosses
He flees the country with girlfriend Molly Brown on holiday
The BBC launches an internal investigation after three complainants instruct lawyers. A source describes it as a “nightmare situation”
