TV star Zara McDermott has said she was involved in incidents in the Strictly Come Dancing training room that she now finds “incredibly distressing” to watch back, following the news that her dance partner Graziano Di Prima has left the show.
On Saturday, the BBC confirmed that Di Prima was “no longer a part of the line-up of professional dancers for the upcoming series”.
He said he “deeply regrets” the events leading up to his departure and acknowledged that his “intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime”.
Now, former Love Island star and documentary maker McDermott has posted her own statement, saying she had “wrestled with the fear of opening up” about her experiences.
“I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming,” she said.
But she said she had recently “gained the strength to face these fears” and speak about her experiences to BBC managers.
“I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports,” she posted on her Instagram stories on Tuesday.
She said she “fully understood the level of commitment and hard work that Strictly was going to be and I dedicated everything to it”.
“I am a resilient person and I was fully prepared to put in whatever it took,” she added.
“And so much of my Strictly experience was everything I could have dreamt of. The entire production team and everyone behind the scenes as well as my fellow contestants were so amazing to work with.
“However, my experience inside the training room was very different. 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.
“The culture within our society makes it difficult for people to speak up, especially in a world where social media opinions and voices are so loud. This is something I’ve seen through working with countless women on my documentaries.
“I would like to thank the BBC & BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as well as everyone who has reached out to me – it really truly means a lot.”
In his statement on Saturday, Di Prima said he understood that it was “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,” he said.
He’d previously rejected allegations his behaviour was “abusive or threatening” and said he is “cooperating fully” with the BBC investigation
In his statement at the weekend, he added: “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.”
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