The BBC has launched a probe into workplace culture in the wake of the ongoing Strictly bullying scandal which has seen allegations of abuse hurled at the corporation.
In the bombshell decision, the BBC today said it is aiming to crack down on ‘abuse of power’ after the corporation apologised to Strictly Come Dancing star Amanda Abbington when she accused her dance partner Giovanni Pernice of bullying.
This led other celebs including Laura Whitmore, Zara McDermott and Ranvir Singh to then come forward with fresh claims – though Pernice and his team deny the wrongdoing.
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.
Amanda Abbington bursts into tears revealing ‘brutal’ online abuse during a Channel 4 interview
Undated BBC handout photo of Giovanni Pernice and Amanda Abbington who appeared in Strictly Come Dancing on BBC 1
‘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 says it aims through its probe to ‘ensure the consequences of inappropriate behaviour and abuse of power are understood by everyone’.
The Sherlock actress’ professional dancing partner Pernice said he had been ‘pleased’ after he was cleared of threatening and abusive behaviour towards Ms Abbington last month, but some of her complaints were upheld.
A verdict was reached after six months of investigating that Pernice was not abusive, nor did he make any threats.
It was also found that there was no aggressive or physical conduct, but the corporation nevertheless issued an apology to Ms Abbington after finding in her favour on ‘a number of’ allegations concerning verbal bullying and harassment.
Out of 17 allegations, they upheld six, some of which were for Pernice using swear words. The report found that his language could be ‘belittling.’
The BBC also agreed with Ms Abbington that at times he appeared to be giving her overly negative feedback.
Strictly returned for its 20th year in September without Pernice, who quit the show in May.