Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse posts cryptic message amid Graziano Di Prima sacking
STRICTLY Come Dancing judge Motsi Mabuse has issued a crptic message after Graziano Di Prima was sacked from the show.
The Italian dancer, 30, is accused of kicking, hitting and spitting at dance partner Zara McDermott.
He has been sacked for gross misconduct and has since said that he “deeply regrets” what happened.
The news has shocked the Strictly team and Motsi has since shared a message on Instagram.
“When you finally learn that a person’s behaviour has more to do with their own internal struggle than you, you learn grace,” she wrote.
BBC confirmed yesterday that Di Prima would not be taking part in the next series.
Bosses were shown shocking videos of clashes between Di Prima and Zara during rehearsals.
A source told The Sun: “The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.”
“Graziano has been accused of multiple physical and verbal incidents. The BBC had no choice but to sack him,”
Zara has instructed lawyers to act for her.
She did not make an official complaint at the time, though last September she and the pro dancer looked frosty after leaving a training session.
Di Prima has issued a statement: “I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
“Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it’s best for the show that I step away.
“While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can’t discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends.
“I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future. I also want to thank everyone who has supported my career, both professionally and personally. When the time is right, I will share my story.”
Fans deserve to know the truth
By Hannah Hope
STRICTLY is a national treasure — the jewel in the BBC’s entertainment crown.
But now, Britain’s most popular show is facing a series of troubling questions about what goes on behind the scenes.
The Sun on Sunday revealed earlier this year damaging claims about long-time pro dancer Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards his partner on the last series, Amanda Abbington.
Subsequently, it was announced that Pernice had quit this year’s show.
Now fellow pro Graziano Di Prima has been sacked for gross misconduct towards ex-Love Islander Zara McDermott, who danced with him last year.
The revelation has plunged Strictly into its biggest-ever crisis — as it is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
Strictly is a family favourite and is watched by viewers of all ages.
The BBC’s investigation must leave no stone unturned.
It is the very least Strictly’s millions of loyal fans deserve.
A BBC spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Graziano Di Prima is no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series of Strictly Come Dancing.
“While we would never comment on individual cases, it is well-known that the BBC has established robust duty of care procedures, and if issues are raised we will always take them seriously and act swiftly as appropriate.”
The shock allegations emerged during the inquiry into claims that another Italian star, Giovanni Pernice, 33, bullied actress Amanda Abbington, 50, on the last series.
Giovanni has strenuously denied any wrongdoing.
The BBC had widened that investigation to look into the treatment of other dancers.