KICKING OFF
Zara McDermott hits back at Graziano Di Prima’s claim he only kicked her once after he leaves UK for Italy
Axed Strictly star Graziano has reportedly started a new job in his native Sicily
ZARA McDermott's representatives have hit back at claims Graziano Di Prima "only kicked her once" in a new statement.
The former Love Island star and documentary filmmaker has unwittingly become the centre of a Strictly scandal after supposed footage of dancer Graziano "screaming, kicking and spitting" at her in rehearsals was brought to the attention of the BBC.
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Within the space of four days, Zara was contacted by show bosses with Graziano axed from the show shortly after.
He has since released a public statement expressing his "regrets".
However, as Graziano flees the UK to return to his native Sicily, a new statement has caused Zara's reps to accuse him of downplaying the incidents that got him axed.
"It’s a matter of public record that the BBC deemed the conduct to be so severe that they removed him from the show immediately," Zara's reps told the BBC following the latest statement.
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"Zara has already confirmed in a statement released on her social media earlier this week that the reported conduct was not a singular incident..."
The new comments come after Graziano's reps shared a new statement about his position.
"There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right, and he knows that," his representative Mark Borkowski told PA.
"He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time."
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"The deluge of commentary, too often without context or nuance, has provoked a pile-on that has left a young man in a very vulnerable state," they added.
"In this case, like in many others, media and social media have immense power to build and destroy careers."
Strictly's Graziano Di Prima told Zara McDermott to 'trust him' and said she was in 'safe hands' in unearthed GMB clip
The professional dancer, who joined the show in 2018, had his BBC contract terminated last week on the grounds of 'gross misconduct'.
The claims against him emerged in the inquiry into Giovanni Pernice’s behaviour towards Amanda Abbington on the same series.
When presented with the video footage, the BBC reached out to Zara for comment and to offer support – as until that point she had remained silent.
Zara only spoke out after news of Graziano's axing broke.
Part of her statement reads: "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.
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"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 the wake of his axing, Graziano has reportedly returned to his family home in Sicily to work as a farmer.
Graziano Di Prima - Strictly statement in FULL
GRAZIANO Di Prima has addressed his Strictly Come Dancing sacking with a statement on social media - see the details below.
In a statement shared to his Instagram page Graziano wrote: "I deeply regret the events that led to my departure from Strictly. My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime.
"Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away."
He continued: "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.
"I wish the Strictly family and the BBC nothing but success in the future."
He concluded the post: "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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