Television presenter Laura Whitmore expressed feeling psychologically manipulated by BBC executives when she initially raised issues about her involvement in Strictly Come Dancing.
Back in 2016, the former Love Island host was paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice, and unfortunately, she was eliminated as the seventh celebrity contestant from the popular BBC One show.
Amanda Abbington, another figure from Strictly, described Pernice’s behavior – her partner in 2023 – as “harsh, malicious, and oppressive”. Pernice strongly denied any claims of abusive or intimidating conduct.
During an interview with the Irish Post, Whitmore, hailing from Dublin, stated that when she initially voiced her concerns, she was made to feel as though her feelings were not valid.
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, gaslighting is defined as the act of deceiving or manipulating someone into believing falsehoods.
Whitmore remarked, “It’s unfortunate that these issues are often brought to light in a manner that shifts blame onto the victim, which is a common occurrence. Being the first to speak out about such matters is always a daunting task.”
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BBC boss addresses Strictly scandal
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‘Misconduct’ during practice sessions
Last month, the 39-year-old revealed in a social media post that she, along with six others, had been approached by the BBC to discuss allegations of “misconduct” during rehearsals. Whitmore believed at the time that her encounters on the show were unique to her, but she has since realized otherwise.
She emphasized, “I am not seeking anything other than recognition that the incidents that occurred in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly were inappropriate and should not be repeated with anyone else.”
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Abbington alleged the existence of 50 hours of footage – recorded by cameras she claims were installed in the rehearsal room after she raised concerns during her first week – footage that Pernice “does not want exposed” but has been reviewed by the BBC.
The findings of the inquiry, initiated by the BBC following the allegations, have not been disclosed yet. However, the broadcaster has introduced new measures to “enhance welfare and assistance” on the show, including the presence of a chaperone during practice sessions in the training rooms “at all times”.
