Giovanni Pernice has been slammed by fresh allegations about his behaviour towards his partners as more names continue to come out of the woodwork - making Pernice's case hard to defend.
The Italian professional dancer announced his shock departure from the show last week after continuing claims of obsessive behaviour and "abuse" during rehearsals began to stack up.
The claims first came from Pernice's 2023 partner Amanda Abbington who stated she had PTSD from her time with the pro, demanding the video footage of their rehearsals and adding that the 33-year-old stomped on her foot.
As well as Abbington, Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh both came forward and discussed their time on the show with Pernice, noting they had a similar experience to the Sherlock star.
Now, professional dancer Korina Travis, 29, has claimed that Pernice has done "horrendous" things to her after the pair performed together at private functions.
Replying to a comment under one of her recent Instagram posts, Travis slammed: "I’ve known him for years as a fellow competitor and he has done horrendous things to me.
Korina and Giovanni have performed together in the past
"I will not speak about my experiences with him but I’m glad the world is seeing him for who he truly is. I’ll leave it at that." (sic)
Travis was previously considered to be part of the Strictly pros back in 2016, but bosses opted for Chloe Hewitt, with Travis now performing for ballroom company Burn the Floor and working alongside plenty of ex-Strictly dancers.
It was revealed last week that the BBC was launching an internal investigation into Pernice's behaviour after three separate complaints with top legal firm Carter-Ruck had been lodged.
A source who worked with dancers who performed alongside Pernice on his stage tours told The Sun how Travis' experience was echoed by others and said: "With Gio, he is either on top form or you are in for a day of hell.
Giovanni's exit from Strictly came after Amanda Abbington's claims
BBC
"He is a self-confessed perfectionist and this was inflicted across the cast and crews on the tours. Many have little positive to say about their experiences."
They added that one female dancer was left exhausted by "gruelling repeat numbers" in rehearsals and one male pro had a bust-up with Gio about the "lack of breaks".
Pernice has vehemently denied the claims against him and is adamant to defend himself against the complaints, writing in a statement on his Instagram: "I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour and I look forward to clearing my name."
His former winning partner Rose Ayling-Ellis has allegedly distanced herself from him after the complaints, with a source noting that she is "shocked" about the claims after their "great experience".
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Korina has spoken out about her time with Giovanni
INSTAGRAM/ITV
"She of course believes what others are saying but she is just trying to not get involved. She won't be speaking about it publicly."
GB News has contacted Giovanni's representative for comment.
