Strictly’s Graziano Di Prima apologises for kicking dance partner Zara McDermott as he brands abusive rehearsals a ‘mistake’

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I have followed the news about Zara and Graziano’s experiences on Strictly Come Dancing with great interest, and as someone who has had my own fair share of challenging encounters in the workplace, I cannot help but be moved by their stories.

Graziano Di Prima has expressed regret for accidentally kicking his ex-dance partner Zara McDermott during practices for Strictly Come Dancing.

The thirty-year-old dance professional was let go from the BBC program last week due to allegations that he had physically harmed the ex-Love Island contestant, who is twenty-seven, the previous year.

On Thursdays, Mark Borkowski, representing Graziano, shared with BBC News that Mark himself understands and does not endorse the use of kicks under any circumstances.

He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.’

According to news articles, Mark mentioned with a note of discrepancy: “However, he fails to identify some of the controversies surrounding it. The portrayals of the situation as discussed online, versus his own recollection, differ significantly.”

Graziano has chosen to disconnect himself from civilization, a decision I believe his wife agrees with as they help him deal with his mental health challenges.

Last week, the BBC became aware of a video featuring Graziano’s proposed idea, leading to his termination from the show despite his previous belief that the issue had already been resolved.

An investigation was initiated against him due to Strictly’s efforts to maintain a respectful environment following allegations of abusive behavior made against Giovanni Pernice by his dance partner Amanda Abbington during the 2023 season. However, Giovanni has since refuted these accusations and departed from the show for reasons unrelated to this incident.

Based on reports from behind the scenes, compelling video evidence of Graziano treating Zara unfairly led company officials to terminate his employment contract.

“Reflecting on my Instagram post about leaving Strictly Come Dancing, I’m truly sorry for the circumstances that led to my departure. My unwavering enthusiasm and drive to succeed may have influenced my training methods in ways I didn’t realize.”

‘Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.’

He added: “Although certain parts of this tale involve outside factors which I’m unable to disclose presently, I remain steadfast in supporting my loved ones.”

‘I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future.’

At the end of his post, he expressed gratitude: “I’m grateful for all the people who have helped me in my professional and personal growth throughout my career. I look forward to telling you my story when the moment is appropriate.”

On Tuesday, Zara finally spoke up, confessing that she had been apprehensive about reporting Graziano due to concerns for her own future.

On Instagram as well, she expressed: “I believed it was important to share my thoughts about the latest news stories. Strictly is an enchanting television program that I’ve longed to be a part of since I was young.”

Receiving an invitation to join the show as a contestant brought back memories of my childhood dreams. I knew Strictly would require immense dedication and effort, and I was ready to give it my all. As a determined individual, I was prepared to invest whatever time and energy was necessary.

My time on Strictly was more wonderful than I ever imagined. I was fortunate to collaborate with an exceptional production team, the people behind the scenes, and my fellow contestants – all of whom made the experience truly unforgettable.

Despite my expectations, my time in the training room took a turn for the worse. There have been allegations concerning my behavior during filming, with firsthand accounts from witnesses and disturbing footage of certain occurrences.

Zara explained that she didn’t report the incidents at the time as she was ‘scared’ of backlash.

During the probe into Giovanni’s actions, it was the junior production team members who stepped forward to disclose what they had observed.

A representative from the program shared with TopMob that there were several instances of both violent and abusive language. However, the physical assaults outnumbered the verbal ones, making the situation incredibly unpleasant.

Zara added in her speech, “I’ve struggled with the apprehension of sharing my story. I was worried about negative reactions from the public, uncertain about my own future, and fearful of being blamed for what happened.”

After many heartfelt discussions with dear ones, I’ve found the courage to tackle my apprehensions. When the BBC requested an interview from me, I spoke openly about my experience on their show.

After struggling with anxiety over sharing my experiences, I was apprehensive about potential criticism, uncertain about my future, and worried about being blamed as a victim. However, through heartfelt discussions with loved ones, I’ve found the courage to confront these fears. When the BBC invited me to speak, I shared openly about my time on the show.

In today’s societal norms, expressing one’s opinion openly can be challenging for many individuals. I’ve observed this trend frequently while producing documentaries with numerous women.

I’m grateful to the BBC and BBC Studios for their quick response and exceptional assistance. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to those who have contacted me. It means more than you know. With love, Zara.

I, Graziano, had been eagerly preparing for my seventh stint on Strictly Come Dancing when unexpectedly, the BBC made the decision to let me go. Recently, it was disclosed by TopMob that I’m pursuing legal action against the BBC in response.

And the broadcaster has vowed to fight back against Giovanni’s claims.

The Sicilian dancer thought that he required “encouragement and guidance” from his superiors following their warnings about how he had treated Zara.

An insider from the BBC questioned: “Why would any workplace, especially one funded by the public, extend assistance to someone who clearly engaged in despicable behavior?”

On Wednesday, TopMob announced that Graziano has taken up a job at a vineyard in Sicily, working remotely and earning approximately £6 an hour.

After leaving the UK to return to his Italian hometown with his wife Giada, a well-known dancer on the Italian edition of Strictly Come Dancing, Graziano now works on a farm. He spends his days plowing fields, living among cows, and harvesting grapes.

According to friends, the Italian professional is keeping busy with tasks like digging ditches and clearing woodpiles as an attempt to distract himself from the commotion caused by his unexpected exit from Strictly.

He’s currently in deep thought, engaged in conversation with just two individuals, his mother Giovanna and wife Giada. At the moment, he’s avoiding social media and the internet to help clear his mind, as those close to him acknowledge that he’s not in a good mental state.

A friend shared with TopMob that Graziano believes his dancing career in the UK may have reached its end due to the scandal. However, there’s optimism that he can revive his profession since “dance is what his body is naturally suited for.”

A friend shared that Graziano has returned to fundamental tasks on the farm. Alone in the fields, he digs trenches and clears brush – essential work to reduce fire risks. Despite earning little, he’s not motivated by money.

Growing up, he was accustomed to doing manual labor starting from the age of eight. This keeps his mind engaged and serves as a diversion from the unpleasant aftermath of leaving Strictly behind.

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2024-07-19 14:32