Strictly Come Dancing, which was once renowned for its raunchy rumbas and ballroom glitz, is currently in the midst of a deteriorating abuse scandal. The Early Rise UK investigation has identified a third Strictly Pro, who is no longer a part of the show, as “a person of interest.” in the wake of allegations that professional dancers Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima mistreated celebrity partners during training. The third star’s identity remains undisclosed, but preliminary reports suggest that a professional’s name has surfaced alongside Giovanni and Graziano. Despite his no longer active involvement in the program, they have identified him as a person of interest.
The conversations are ongoing
There are additional individuals who require communication. The dancer lineup for this year’s series will not include Pernice, who has disputed allegations of “abusive or threatening behavior,” nor Di Prima. Indeed, that is accurate. However, can we truly disregard this scandal as a matter of training methods and professional aspirations to succeed, or is there something far more significant and sinister at work? Rather than an issue with “training methods,” does Strictly have a “man problem?” Without a doubt, Strictly is a beloved television program. Numerous celebrities have enjoyed themselves immensely with their professional companions. Alison Hammond, for instance, expressed her love for Aljaz Skorjanec in 2014, stating, “He was a brilliant teacher; I loved working with him; I never had any issues whatsoever.”
But it appears that for certain celebrity partners, the reality behind the glitter, shine, and sequins of the TV studio was quite different—a narrative that, regrettably, many women will be able to relate to from their own experiences. Di Palma faces accusations of mistreating his dance partner, Zara McDermott, during their training for the previous year’s series. Reports suggest that the show staff experienced emotional reactions upon viewing footage of certain incidents. The BBC has recently released a list of new welfare measures, which include chaperones. McDermott, on the other hand, refrained from engaging in any formal grievances regarding her treatment. Nevertheless, I do not hold her accountable.
Our observations have consistently demonstrated that individuals are skeptical of women’s allegations of abuse. The careers of the women who do speak up are left in disarray as they are reviled and derided. We have observed that. Look at the vicious response to Amber Heard. Reporting abuse carries a significant risk, and this risk remains unchanged when the abuse takes place in the workplace. I will never forget a much older woman who advised me not to report men’s behavior, as women will always be perceived as the worst.
“I have grappled with the apprehension of vulnerability.
I regret to inform you that I found this to be true, and I believe many women reading this will too. In light of this, I was unsurprised by the statement that McDermott shared on her Instagram Stories yesterday: I was terrified of the potential for public retribution, my future, and victim shaming. However, I have gained the courage to confront these concerns after engaging in numerous conversations with my loved ones.
So, when the BBC invited me to speak, I was forthright about my experience on the program. Regrettably, her fear was well-founded. Frequently, women’s accounts of abuse are only accepted if there are witnesses and, ideally, photographic or videoed evidence. People frequently assume that a woman’s intentions are malevolent, despite the fact that she has gathered recordings and witnesses. Why would she be recording? What is the motivation for her evidence collection? What is the harm in simply exiting? Strict staff members in McDermott’s case reported the alleged abuse, and the program filmed the footage. Therefore, it’s impossible to accuse her of harboring hidden intentions. However, the situation she finds herself in is truly miserable! She had to endure all of this and still maintain a smile for the live performance, hugging her celebrity partner as if nothing was happening in the background. Since then, Strictly has removed Di Palma from the professional lineup and he has issued his own statement, expressing profound contrition for the incident that led to his departure. “My fervor and resolve to prevail may have influenced my training regimen.” No contrition was extended to McDermott. Her name was not even mentioned. Regretting events is not necessarily an admission of the alleged abuse; however, the phrase “intense passion” is consistently a warning sign when used in response to such allegations. Despite its glossy escapism and gleaming grins, Strictly is not truly separate from the world in which we live. This is a crucial point to bear in mind. I believe that this scandal is not the result of a single or a few (or three) bad apples, but rather a reflection of a more widespread cultural issue with men’s treatment of women and women’s justified fear of speaking out. Is it feasible for us to consistently endure? Possibly. Does it reveal any unsavory realities regarding attitudes toward women and abuse? Certainly.