BBC Strictly's Motsi Mabuse in show of support for Giovanni Pernice amid ongoing 'bullying' accusations
Motsi seems to be supporting Giovanni
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has shown a gesture of support towards dancer Giovanni Pernice amid the ongoing accusations made against him.
Pernice has been at the centre of a media storm after his celebrity partner in last year's series of the BBC show, Amanda Abbington, made claims against him which have since reportedly been backed by other former partners.
Pernice has been making headlines ever since, with Abbington claiming he used "militant" training techniques and accused him of being a "bully".
Other celebrities he had been paired with in the show, such as Laura Whitmore, joined the Sherlock star in making similar accusations against the 33-year-old choreographer and a male former Strictly star is also believed to have joined the case against him.
Pernice has strongly denied the claims and announced recently he looks forward to "clearing my name".
Now, 43-year-old Strictly judge Mabuse seems to have thrown her support behind the Italian dancer who has already received support from the likes of Lauren Oakley and Kai Widdrington.
Taking to Instagram earlier this week, Pernice shared a post from Ballando UK announcing he and Strictly co-star Widdrington would be starring in a show.
A countdown on the post revealed it would launch in just 21 days and that it'd feature the two well-known dancers.
Alongside the dates of said show, the caption read: "Giovanni Pernice and Kai Widdrington - London."
Another post on the account, penned by Pernice, reads: "What do you think to our new logo? We spent a lot of time coming up with something that was relevant and had meaning to us, but that would also resonate with you all and have a sense of fun."
The Strictly judge made a gesture of support towards the Italian dancer
Getty
Mabuse recently liked the post, suggesting she is continuing to support the Strictly professional as he pursues his dance career away from Strictly amid the saga.
It comes following unconfirmed reports that Pernice has quit Strictly Come Dancing following the claims.
Last month, a source told The Sun: "Gio feels the scrutiny on him has become too much, and now is the time to make a fresh start.
"He wants to focus on other TV projects, and feels he’s achieved all he can on Strictly, having won the trophy back in 2021 and reaching the final an unprecedented four times.
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The claims against Pernice started last year with Abbington's exit from Strictly
BBC
"He remains adamant he’s done nothing wrong other than being a hard taskmaster, but knows his style of training isn’t to everyone’s liking — especially in this day and age."
Fellow Strictly judge Anton Du Beke is also standing by Pernice and has starred alongside him in several shows since the claims were made, including their BBC travel series.