Zara McDermott's statement in full: Love Island star breaks her silence after Graziano Di Prima's sacking
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Zara McDermott has released a statement after her Strictly Come Dancing professional Graziano di Prima was sacked from the show over reports he verbally and physically abused her.
The Love Island star wrote on Instagram on Tuesday morning that while 'much' of her time on Strictly 'was everything I could have dreamt of' her 'experience inside the training room was very different.'
Graziano was due to compete in his seventh series of Strictly before his sacking, but was fired by bosses after footage allegedly emerged that showed him repeatedly hitting Zara.
Read Zara's statement in full below:
Zara McDermott has released a statement after Graziano di Prima was sacked from Strictly Come Dancing over reports he verbally and physically abused her
'I felt it was right that I post something regarding the recent media reports.
'Strictly is one of the most magical shows on TV and one that I dreamt of being on since I was a little girl.'
'When I was invited to be a contestant on the show it really was a childhood dream come true. I fully understood the level of commitment an dhard 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.'
'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 worth 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 incredible 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 aworld 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 and BBC Studios for their swift action and incredibly high level of support, as wel as everyone who has reached out to me - it really truly means a lot. Love, always. Zara.'
Graziano was due to compete in his seventh series of Strictly before his sacking, but was fired by bosses after footage allegedly emerged that showed him repeatedly hitting Zara
