Giovani refers to Amanda Abingdon as mad

[Blackcats7]

The bbc has reported that on stage in Manchester today Giovani said "let's see what this mad woman says next" and then promised to be back to cheers from his audience.
He did not actually say Amanda's name but it is clear who he meant.
If her accusations are proven (which seems likely given other women coming forward) then presumably he has just opened himself up to a claim for defamation.

This was a joint show with Anton. Not a good look for a judge to allow this to be used as a platform under the circumstances. Of course he may not have known Giovani was going to say anything but I think it puts Anton in a difficult position at best.

Anton has been named as the 4th SCD person with a claim against him but in his case for a racist comment.

So I suspect he may not be a judge next series anyway.

The racist comment to Laila Rouass was years ago, I haven't been able to watch him since but it felt like it was just glossed over 😡

Yes it resurfaced again this week as part of the wider investigations.

@Spirallingdownwards interesting- it's always pissed me off how it was handled originally.

I'm boycotting the show this year.

I hope Amanda has her lawyers at the ready.

What a delightful man…not

Calling a woman "insane" is the first go-to tactic of abusive or controlling men.

I suppose she is the equivilant "crazy ex" of the showbiz world that all abusive men seem to have

Oh dear. It's not going to do him any favours.

I feel like a lot of the touring shows are being used as opportunities for the male celebs to "speak out" when they should just shut up and deal with it professionally (i.e lawyers).

Re:Anton...he made my Ballroom dance teacher cry! Either ITV or the BBC had contacted the dance school I attended to ask if there was anyone there who could do a short filmed dance segment with Anton (and Ian Waite), spoke about height etc. She put herself forward and another dance teacher. She'd had a very successful career and was well respected in the dance world, she was the same age as Anton and from being children they'd competed against each other (she said she used to win more!).

She was expecting him to recognise her, be pleasant etc. But what actually happened was that he took one look at her, and her younger, slimmer, prettier, taller colleague and he said "trust me to end up with the short, fat, ugly one" then refused to look her in the eye or talk to her for the rest of the filming! Ian was apparently lovely, and very sympathetic. She thanked HIM for being a gentleman, then as soon as she got out of the venue, she burst into tears. We all couldn't stand him after that.

I took my mum to see Giovanni’s show last year and was surprised at how sexist some of his comments were.

I’m also amazed that Anton was allowed to keep his job after two racist comments. Absolutely shocking!

Strictly will end up cancelled from this I think. Quite right too if they’ve neglected participants. Totally agree re Anton, I couldn’t believe he used and got away with the P word!

TBH I think the whole show lost its edge when Brucie quit .It seemed at first to be a genuine Family tea time slot.However each series has its own "scandal" to deal with .And I stopped watching altogether ,when a very un worthy winner won, and another popular TV star practically snatched the prize from someone much more suitable.Why not have a rebrand and freshen the show .Maybe a few less egos and a kinder feel .Christina was on TV today and said its not a global dance competition! So lighten uo and have fun!

I'll be sad to see it go, but it probably will be axed now as the scandals are increasing daily and it's obvious it's become very toxic.
They will probably fill the gap on a Saturday night with old films or even more quiz shows as they don't tend to offend people ( and you have ordinary people on them unless it's a celeb special ) and probably a bit cheaper to make as well.

It's very "I would have got away with it, if it wasn't for that nasty middle aged woman" isn't it?

It must have taken Amanda Abingdon some balls to speak up tbh , but , like the 'Me too 'campaign a while ago , once people start to speak out it snowballs and she must feel relived that she wasn't the only one who had difficulties and can feel they can come forwards with their own experiences.
None of it surprises me, but it's sad these people got away with it for so long and covered up.

It’s one of those shows that has continued past its sell by date and I say that as a fan ( formerly). Like The Apprentice, which started out as an interesting experiment to select an apprentice and became a caricature, with plenty of contestants subsequently complaining about their treatment.

Strictly is no longer a family show, with professionals teaching well known amateurs a new skill and has become a hugely competitive show, at a cost to both celebrities and professionals. It’s now clear why Alijaz was brought back and I imagine, if it goes ahead, they will be looking for another pro too. I feel sorry for pros like Amy Dowden, who missed last year, but I think the BBC will have to find another focus for the autumn Saturday night schedule.

I agree with you. It used to be genuinely fun and at times hilarious.

I'm devastated at the idea of Strictly ending over this scandal. Not because I enjoy the show (can't stand it personally) but because the rest of my family love it and I could enjoy an hour of peace in the bath with a glass of wine every Saturday night 😭

what did Anton say about Laila ?

I think Amanda was very, very brave to speak up. It takes so much courage to be the first to speak against something so established. BBC should be ashamed that they turned a blind eye to it all for so many years. Amanda speaking up means no other woman has to endure the same thing. She should be applauded for speaking up.

Used the P word.

deadline.com/2024/07/strictly-come-dancing-anton-du-beke-faces-fresh-calls-for-sacking-over-previous-racist-remark-1236016586/

A misogynist and a racist. What a delightful pair.
I agree that this could be the end for strictly and by the sounds of it, it’s a miracle that things haven’t surfaced sooner. Shame on the BBC for failing in their duty of care. Shame on anyone who sides with Giovanni. I also really hope that Anton’s comments aren’t swept under the carpet. Both need holding to account rather than being celebrated.