Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano Di Prima has spoken out for the first time since being axed from the BBC show.
Di Prima has been a professional on Strictly since 2018 partnering up with celebrities including the likes of Radio DJ Vick Hope (2018), comedian and Loose Women panellist Judi Love (2021) and actress Kym Marsh (2022).
Then in 2023 he was paired up with former Love Island contestant Zara McDermott.
Last month (on July 13) it was revealed Di Prima had been axed as a professional from Strictly 2024 amid allegations about his conduct with a past participant on the show.
Following the announcement, McDermott came forward posting a statement on Instagram, revealing that while her Strictly experience was "everything I could have dreamed of" her experience inside the training room (with Di Prama) "was very different".
She added: "Reports have been made about my treatment on the show and there were witnesses to some events, as well as videos of particular incidents which are incredibly distressing to watch.
“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."
A week later a Strictly spokesperson revealed Di Prima allegedly kicked McDermott during a rehearsal session.
Strictly's Mark Borkowski, speaking to BBC News, 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."
Graziano Di Prima speaks out for first time after Strictly exit
Fast forward nearly a month and Di Prima has spoken out for the first time about these allegations and his subsequent axing from Strictly Come Dancing in an interview with the Daily Mail.
'I am NOT a monster. I am not abusive.' Strictly star Graziano breaks silence after he was dropped from the show following anonymous complaints - and in world-first interview reveals what really happened... https://t.co/ZkFhtwpiHH pic.twitter.com/EV6NWFa3Tl
— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) August 10, 2024
The 30-year-old said he would never deliberately hurt anyone and "vile, false" allegations have ruined his life "in a matter of minutes - professionally, financially, psychologically and reputationally".
He said: "For me, this has come out of nowhere. I literally couldn't find any words. I was broken.
"Luckily we were with my mum because I don't know what would have happened if I'd been alone — maybe I wouldn't be talking to you now.
"I didn't stop shaking for a month. In those first days I had ugly thoughts [about suicide].
"Then, I thought: 'If the people who really love me, like my wife and family, are not questioning me for even half a second, why should I let this burn me up?"
As for the allegations about his conduct with McDermott during training, Di Prima said "I'd never, never do that" and described her statement as "shocking".
The professional dancer continued: "Those rehearsals were nine months ago. I can be strict, I can be passionate. I want my partner to go as far as they can. She wanted that, too.
"You can't imagine how many times my mind has been going back and forward trying to think of something that happened all those months ago that I can't figure out.
"The only thing I can think of is the time I kicked the floor in frustration. We'd practised hour after hour to perfect a routine with lifts. It wasn't easy but that's the pressure of the show.
"I was in pain from lifting her so many times but wanted to get it right. I thought I could save her [from elimination].
"I wasn't meaning to kick her. I'd never, never do that. My foot brushed her after I kicked the floor. Afterwards I hugged her and said I was sorry. There was no problem. We carried on.
"I'm not sure if this is it or if it's from when we, as professional dancers, move our partner's leg with our foot. That is what is so difficult for me — not knowing."
Top 10 best British TV series
He said he has been abused and threatened on social media over the past month since the allegations surfaced.
Di Prima added: "Anyone commenting on social media should realise I am a real person. I have feelings. I am vulnerable.
"Right now, my reputation is zero and it will take a superhuman effort for me to get up from this hole.
"But I do believe the truth always wins in the end. I am determined not to let my and my family's lives be destroyed.
RECOMMENDED READING:
- 'Fearful' Zara McDermott breaks silence over Graziano Di Prima's Strictly exit
- Has Strictly lost its sparkle? Debate on if show should end amid dancer controversies
"I will dance again. I will bring joy to people again with my dancing because this is who I am: an international professional dancer, a man of integrity, a loving husband and son who has never forgotten where he's come from.
"I will not let these lies define me. They are not who I am."
This all comes after it was confirmed Giovanni Pernice will not be part of the 2024 line-up of Strictly professionals either amid allegations about his teaching methods - allegations he rejects.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here