The BBC has vowed to tackle “abusive behaviour” in a major win for Amanda Abbington following the Strictly Come Dancing bullying scandal. Today, they launched a probe into its “workplace culture” – aiming to crack down on “abuse of power”.
It follows a lengthy investigation into the Sherlock actress’s claims of “cruel and mean behaviour” by her dance partner Giovanni Pernice, which he vehemently denied, throwing the beloved show into chaos.
The BBC did, however, apologise to Amanda last month but cleared Giovanni of the most serious allegations.
BBC Chair Samir Shah said: “I cannot emphasise enough that I am fully committed to tackling inappropriate or abusive behaviour. For most of us it is a joy to work for the BBC and that should be the case for everyone.
“Nobody working in the BBC should ever feel fear or worry while working here.
“What is clear to me is that we must ensure the BBC is a safe, secure and welcoming workplace for everyone.”
The BBC‘s probe aims to “ensure the consequences of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power are understood by everyone”.
A spokesperson said the corporation intends to publish a report next spring.
The findings of the probe into Amanda’s bullying allegations were published in September, with the bombshell report being released just weeks into the new series of Strictly.
The beloved TV series returned in September without Giovanni, who quit the show in May.
The BBC said it takes allegations of bullying and harassment “very seriously”, adding the review into Abbington’s complaints had taken time “due to its complex nature” and in order to ensure “a rigorous and robust process”.
The report upheld six out of 17 allegations against pro dancer Giovanni, according to the Mail.
They also found that there was no aggressive or physical contact between Giovanni and Amanda.
“We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made,” the BBC said in a statement.
“We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.”
The Sherlock actress called the BBC‘s apology a “vindication” of her complaint and said she hoped others would now feel “more confident” that they would be believed.
Giovanni said he was relieved that allegations that he was threatening and abusive “were found not to be true”.
Amanda quit last October, saying she had been diagnosed with PTSD following her stint on Strictly.