August 27th 2024.
In a recent interview, Graziano Di Prima addressed the allegations of abuse that have been made against him, stating that he is "not a monster." As one of the professional dancers on Strictly Come Dancing, Di Prima won the BBC competition and has now received support from his fellow dancers.
Last year, Di Prima was partnered with former Love Island star Zara McDermott on the show and the pair were unfortunately eliminated in the fifth round. Months later, rumors began to surface about physical incidents between the two, including accusations that Di Prima had kicked and hit McDermott. In response, McDermott shared a statement on social media, mentioning that there were videos of the incidents that were difficult for her to watch. Di Prima also apologized for his actions and expressed regret for the situation.
In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Di Prima clarified that he is "not an abusive man" and that he never intended to hurt McDermott. He explained that during one of their routines, his foot accidentally brushed against her after he kicked the floor. He also mentioned that Strictly is like a family to him and that he has a lot of love for his former partner.
Vito Coppola, who has been on Strictly since 2022, also shared his support for Di Prima in a new interview, stating that he has known and loved him for years. Coppola, who won the show in 2023 with Ellie Leach, described the Strictly experience as one big family and expressed excitement for the show's 20th anniversary.
When the news first broke that Di Prima would be leaving Strictly due to the allegations, he released a statement expressing his regret and commitment to being there for his family and friends. He also mentioned that there were external influences involved in the situation that he couldn't discuss at the time, but would share his story when the time is right.
McDermott also released a statement addressing her experience on the show, stating that while her overall experience was a dream come true, her time in the training room was different. She mentioned that there were witnesses to some of the incidents and videos that were disturbing to watch. After discussing with loved ones, she found the strength to speak out and address the issue.
She also mentioned the difficulty of speaking up in a society where social media can be overwhelming and thanked the BBC for their support and swift action.
Fans of Strictly Come Dancing can look forward to its return this fall on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. If you have a celebrity story or news, reach out to the entertainment team at The Agency through email, phone, or their website.
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