Strictly viewers have praised Laura Whitmore for her courage while others have questioned why she didn’t come forward sooner – after she confirmed she’s spoke to the BBC about Giovanni Pernice‘s ‘inappropriate’ behaviour.
The TV presenter, 39, who was partnered with the Italian dancer, 33, on the show in 2016, has claimed she initially raised concerns to the BBC six years ago.
Although she hasn’t made a formal complaint, Laura hopes to get ‘just an acceptance’ of what happened to her in the rehearsals room as she posed on her Instagram on Saturday.
Laura admitted she has discussed with six former Strictly stars about their time on the show and took their information to the BBC.
COMMENDATIONS/QUESTIONS
Her new statement shared to her Story has been met with mixed reaction – some saying she was brave to make her comments while other wondered why she hasn’t said anything until now.
One said: ‘Waiting for the ‘why didn’t she come forward sooner?’ And ‘another woman ruining this man’s career’ brigade.
‘People who have been abused often don’t come forward straight away. He ruined his own career. Respect to Laura Whitmore.’
Others wrote: ‘Brave of @thewhitmore to speak out with all the victim blaming and threats.’,
‘The scandal goes on, and such things have been happening, I guess, for years and years of the show. It is time the show was pulled’,
‘Well it’s good that others, like Laura Whitmore are finding the courage to speak out then, isn’t it?’,
‘I believe Laura Whitmore & Amanda Abbington #Strictly.’,
‘Kudos to #LauraWhitmore for saying her #StrictlyComeDancing truth. She raised a complaint in 2016 and the #BBC was still using the same dancer years later – how is that right?’