Giovanni Pernice played down his Strictly bullying scandal by making a public appearance at a police awards ceremony in London on Thursday night.
The 33-year-old Italian dancer was a special guest at the 2024 Police Bravery Awards, where he gifted each nominee a free sample of his latest aftershave, Vita.
He was unable to attend in person but appeared via video link and delivered an emotional message to the audience before the awards were presented.
Giovanni is proud to be associated with the awards, as he is the son of a police officer. He said: “It is a privilege for me to speak to you all tonight.
‘As the son of a police officer in Sicily, I know first-hand the worry and stress that you and your family endure every day.
Giovanni Pernice played down his Strictly bullying scandal by making a public appearance at a police awards ceremony in London on Thursday night (pictured in October)
Giovanni is at the centre of a bullying row following allegations of misconduct by fellow Strictly contestant Amanda Abbington (pictured) and two other women, leading him to quit.
‘I witness courage and dedication that largely goes unnoticed and often unseen, but the positive impact you and your colleagues make never goes unnoticed by the people and communities you serve.
‘For me personally, this ceremony is not just about the awards, it is a testament to the sacrifice each and every one of you makes every day to ensure our safety.
‘In my eyes, you are all my heroes and this goes beyond these walls and reaches into the lives of each of the people you have helped.
‘So, as a family member of one of your own, with the utmost respect and admiration I just want to say thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you.’
Two Metropolitan Police officers, PC Alannah Mulhall and PC Joseph Gerrard, have won the 2024 National Police Bravery Award for their response to an incident of extreme violence.
They were both brutally stabbed when they tried to stop a man with a knife in central London in 2022.
The event was also attended by new Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and her former Strictly co-star Kai Widdrington, who both appeared in person at the party, held at London’s Royal Lancaster Hotel.
Giovanni has kept a low profile since leaving Strictly after becoming embroiled in a bullying row.
The dancer, who won the show in 2021 alongside former EastEnders star Rose Ayling-Ellis (the series’ first deaf contestant), was accused by fellow 2023 contestant Amanda Abbington of bullying her during training – a claim he has strenuously denied.
Two Metropolitan Police officers, Alannah Mulhall and Joseph Gerrard, have won the 2024 National Police Bravery Award for their response to an incident of extreme violence.
In May it was revealed that the former Sherlock star, 50, had commissioned London law firm Carter Ruck to represent her against the BBC, and several other former partners of Giovanni are also believed to have supported her actions.
She has called for footage from rehearsals to be released as part of her misconduct allegations, a move which Giovanni, who starred on Strictly for nine years, recently blocked.
Posting a statement on Instagram declaring his innocence, Giovanni wrote: ‘My dear fans, you will be as shocked as I am that allegations about my dance teaching methods have been made in the media this week.
Amanda left the competition midway through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni (pictured during rehearsals)
In 2016, former Love Island host Laura Whitmore said she “cried every day” and felt “uncomfortable” while training with him.
Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh also complained about Giovanni to producers in 2020, during his time on the show.
Former partners have also come out in support of him, including Debbie McGee, the widow of magician Paul Daniels, who was paired with him in 2017.
“Of course, I reject any suggestion of abusive or threatening behaviour, and I look forward to clearing my name.”
He continued: ‘Those who have followed my journey on Strictly Come Dancing over the past decade will know that I am passionate and competitive.
‘Nobody is more ambitious than me with their dance partners.
‘I’ve always strived to help them become the best dancers they can be.
“This has always come from a place of love and desire to win, for myself and my fellow dancers.”
Pernice closed the message by writing: “Thank you all once again for your continued love and support! Giovanni.”