Zara McDermott addresses Graziano Di Prima's Strictly axing
Zara McDermott has finally broken her silence on Graziano Di Prima's departure from Strictly Come Dancing, revealing the reasons behind her delayed response.
The ex-Love Island star took to Instagram to share her thoughts after the pro dancer was dismissed by the BBC following allegations of abusive behavior towards her during rehearsals.
Zara opens up about her Strictly experience
In a heartfelt statement, Zara, 27, expressed her initial excitement about being on the show and her dedication to the competition. She described her overall experience on Strictly as a dream come true, highlighting the positive relationships she formed with the production team and fellow contestants.
However, Zara shared that her time in the training room was a stark contrast to the rest of her experience, mentioning reports, witnesses, and distressing videos of specific incidents.
Breaking the silence
Zara confessed her initial fear of speaking out, citing concerns about public backlash, victim shaming, and the impact on her future. Encouraged by loved ones, she found the courage to address these fears and share her story with the BBC.
She emphasized the challenges faced by individuals in speaking up, especially in a society where social media voices can be overwhelming. Zara's decision to come forward was influenced by her work with women on documentaries, shedding light on the importance of speaking out against mistreatment.
Gratitude and support
Zara expressed her appreciation for the BBC and BBC Studios for their prompt response and support, along with the individuals who have reached out to her during this challenging time.
The statement comes in the wake of reports that the BBC had been alerted twice about Graziano's behavior towards Zara during their training sessions last year. Graziano has reportedly left the UK amidst additional claims about Zara's well-being during rehearsals.
