Laila Rouass issues cancel culture warning as she breaks silence on Anton Du Beke BBC Strictly probe
BBC Strictly: Laila Rouass has broken her silence on Anton Du Beke rumours
BBC/PA
Laila Rouass has issued a lengthy and passionate defence of Strictly Come Dancing judge and former dance partner Anton Du Beke as the BBC's investigation into the conduct of its stars nears its conclusion.
The newly-appointed EastEnders star was partnered with Du Beke a decade and a half ago but her experience was "scarred" by derogatory comments made by the professional dancer.
Du Beke was quoted as using the derogatory slut "p**i" when making a joke about Rouass' skin colour after she'd received a spray tan ahead of a live show.
The Strictly judge apologised publicly at the time but as the Beeb has had to axe the likes of Giovanni Pernice and Graziano Di Prima amid their own "misconduct" complaints this year, the remarks have resurfaced.
With the likes of Amanda Abbington, Zara McDermott and - as Laura Whitmore explained in a bombshell statement yesterday - half a dozen or so others have spoken to the BBC about the conduct of its stars, Rouass decided to make her stance on the probe crystal clear.
In a series of slides on her Instagram page, Rouass wrote: "There has been much speculation over the last couple of weeks about alleged complaints I have made to the BBC regarding my time at Strictly.
BBC Strictly: Laila Rouass and Anton Du Beke were partnered together 15 years ago
BBC
"I had no intention of making a statement but now feel it's necessary as over the last couple of weeks there have been false accusations, online abuse and harassment aimed at me and my family.
"Strictly is a show I have always loved so when I was offered the opportunity to compete, I was ecstatic. When I was paired with Anton, I knew I was in safe hands.
"The show demands much of your time and energy. Anton and I rehearsed 7 days a week for approx 6/7 hours a day. This was on my insistence and Anton made himself available at these times. At no point did I feel pressured by Anton or the producers to add more to rehearsals.
"Unfortunately my time on the show was scarred by a handful of incidents, some of which were discussed in the press at the time."
She specifically turned her attention to her experience as she typed: "I would like to address those incidents; Yes, Anton used derogatory words, which was unacceptable. Yes Anton publicly apologised to me. Above all this and, most importantly, I do not believe Anton is racist or Islamophobic. If I believed he was, I would have refused to dance with him.
"I wish to make clear, apart from the situation mentioned above, which was dealt with, at absolutely no point was I physically, emotionally, sexually, or verbally abused by Anton.
"At no point did Anton use manipulation or cruelty towards me during rehearsals. At no point did I feel vulnerable in Anton's presence. Anton was generous, patient and hard-working."
Explaining why she decided to come forward, Rouass went on: "I am making this statement because I do not want to take the focus away from those who have bravely spoken about the alleged abuse they experienced on the show.
"I do not want my experience to be merged in with extremely serious and disturbing allegations from other contestants. The focus should remain with them and their stories, because their stories matter. Their stories must be addressed and investigated."
The soap star also mentioned how she released a statement in order to defend Du Beke amid mounting speculation.
"Also, it would be morally reprehensible if I allowed speculation about Anton to continue," she said. "It would be unfair for Anton to lose his livelihood, his reputation and his credibility because of an incident that happened 15 years ago and to the best of my knowledge has not happened again since. Witch-hunts have consequences that are far-reaching and long-lasting.'
Rouass went on to take a dig at the cancel culture environment we live in today, adding: "I believe those willing to accept their misjudgment and change their behaviour mustn't be condemned forever for their past mistakes."
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Giovanni Pernice and Anton Du Beke seem to remain close away from Strictly Come DancingBBCRouass did clarify that she feels legitimates concerns should be voiced: "However, the experiences I have personally heard, from other contestants, are incredibly concerning and far eclipse my own.
"Needless to say, I have not made an official complaint to the BBC regarding Anton and I do not intend to. I do, however, welcome conversations with the BBC about their duty of care.
"I have and will always stand with champions against abuse. I send them love and strength and hope their stories are heard and much is learned. Their courage in speaking out is changing landscapes and inspiring others. Silence does not have to be an option.
"Abuse of any kind should be taken very seriously so in light of that, I urge you to focus on these significant allegations so that the show makes effective and satisfactory changes."
Rouass' remarks come just days after Abbington returned to screens with more claims against Pernice, including the "blocking" of incriminating footage and "humiliating behaviour of a sexual nature".
Pernice has vehemently denied any claims of "threatening or abusive" behaviour and refuted Abbington's latest claims, insisting he is waiting for the BBC investigation to conclude.