Last week, it was announced that Graziano Di Prima would not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing over his behaviour to celebrity partner, Zara McDermott.

A spokesperson for Graziano Di Prima has admitted that the professional dancer “kicked” his celebrity partner Zara McDermott.

Last week, it was announced that Graziano would not be returning to Strictly Come Dancing.

Speaking to the BBC, Mark Borkowski said: “There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right. And he knows that. He knows he’s made a mistake. He apologised at the time.”

The Italian professional dancer was let go by the BBC and is the second professional to exit the show after criticism about the “tough” methods used for training celebrities. lime

Referring to the media reports, Mark added: “But he doesn’t recognise some of the issues surrounding it. The descriptions of what is being commented online, and how he remembers it, are not aligned.”

He continued: “He [Graziano] has literally cut himself off from civilisation. I think that’s a wise thing to do, supported by his wife. He’s coming to terms with his mental health issues.”

Mr Borkowski also added that Di Prima “does remember that he was pushing [Zara] quite hard” during the training day in question.

Graziano issued a statement on his shock departure, saying he “deeply regrets the events that led” to his exit. He claimed his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime”.

Giovanni Pernice left the dance competition in June amidst allegations allegedly made by Amanda Abbington and two other celebrities. He denies all the allegations of “threatening or abusive behaviour”. lime

Recently, Zara, 27, released a statement in regards to Graziano’s sacking over claims of “physical and verbal incidents”.

The documentary maker said she feared the public’s response when talking about her time on the show, saying she “wrestled with the fear of opening up”.

She penned on Instagram: “I have wrestled with the fear of opening up – I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming. But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I’ve gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show.”

Earlier this year, it was reported that Strictly Come Dancing bosses are introducing “duty of care packages” to celebrity partners in the upcoming series. lime

According to The Sun, safeguards are being introduced for dancers and celebrity contestants on the show, including counsellors and the offer of post-show therapy.

They also reported that psychological testing will also be implemented to ensure that the contestants are “robust” enough to handle with the constant media.
Last week’s announcement about Graziano Di Prima’s departure from Strictly Come Dancing has sparked a conversation about the importance of professional conduct in the world of dance. The incident involving Graziano “kicking” his celebrity partner Zara McDermott has raised concerns about the treatment of celebrity partners and the pressures faced by professional dancers.

In a statement to the BBC, dance expert Mark Borkowski emphasized that there is never a justified reason for any form of physical aggression in the industry. Graziano’s actions have led to his dismissal from the show, highlighting the zero-tolerance policy towards abusive behavior.

It is crucial for all professionals in the entertainment industry to prioritize the well-being and safety of their colleagues. The allegations made against Graziano and previous incidents involving other dancers underline the need for stricter guidelines and accountability in the industry.

In response to the controversy, Zara McDermott bravely shared her thoughts on social media, expressing her fear of public backlash but ultimately finding the strength to speak out. Her courage in speaking up about the incidents on the show sheds light on the importance of addressing issues of abuse and misconduct openly and honestly.

Moving forward, the introduction of “duty of care packages” for celebrity partners in Strictly Come Dancing is a positive step towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for all participants. The inclusion of counsellors, therapy options, and psychological testing demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the well-being of everyone involved in the show.

As fans of dance and entertainment, it is essential to support initiatives that promote a culture of respect and professionalism in the industry.

By staying informed and advocating for positive change, we can contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive environment for all dancers and performers. Let’s continue to follow developments in the industry and show our support for a responsible and ethical entertainment community.