A STRICTLY Come Dancing star has deleted her post in support of Graziano Di Prima after his former show partner’s bombshell statement.
Love Island alumni Zara McDermott, 27, broke her silence on Tuesday with a lengthy comment on the alleged “physical incidents” which saw the Italian sacked from the hit BBC series.
The documentary-maker admitted she was “scared” to speak out on her ordeal and revealed why she had left it so long to open up.
Graziano, who started on Strictly in 2018, was fired by the BBC following claims he hit, spat at and kicked Zara during rehearsals.
Former Strictly star Susannah Constantine – famed for fellow BBC show What Not To Wear – faced flack on Monday for supporting the disgraced dancer in a candid social media post.
Susannah, 62, who was partnered with Anton du Beke on the show in 2018, was slammed for her “bad take” on the situation.
It saw her write: “What the hell??? You were always so sweet, kind, funny an thoughtful to me Graziano.
“Be true to yourself. Cream always rises to the top. Loads of love xxxxx.”
Yet after a slew of of trolling, she has now removed the message from her Instagram page.
At the time, fans were quick to comment, with one writing: “This is a bad take.
“He’s admitted he regrets his actions.”
Another wrote: “But do you know how he treated other people?
“You could be defending someone who physically and verbally abused someone.”
Back in 2018, Susannah revealed she felt “bloody horrible” after she was the first one booted off her series.
The star went on to vow she wouldn’t ever dance again.
Zara’s statement came after Graziano opened up on his show departure in a lengthy message.
He has denied any wrongdoing after publishing his statement in full – yet sparked confusion when his message appeared to disappear.
He allegedly replaced it with an updated version featuring subtle amendments.
Hours later, Zara had her say with her own upload.
She responded in a lengthy statement and said she was “scared to speak up”.
She said: “I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
“Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.
“When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true.”
Zara said she “fully understood” how much commitment and hard work would be needed on the show and insisted she is “resilient” and was ready to “put in whatever it took”.
She praised her fellow contestants and the production team, saying they were “amazing to work with” – but added her “experience inside the training room was very different”.
The star continued: “Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
“I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
“But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”
Zara added: “The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud.
“This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.
“I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.”
The claims against Graziano came to light during the inquiry into Strictly pro-Giovanni Pernice, 33.
This is centred on allegations he bullied his celebrity partner Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series – which he has strenuously denied.
In a comment piece today, The Sun’s Clemmie Moodie suggested Strictly’s family friendly veneer has been tarnished by the recent scandal.
