Graziano Di Prima accused of kicking Zara McDermott

Strictly Come Dancing pro Graziano Di Prima has been accused of kicking, hitting and spitting at Zara McDermott behind the scenes on the 2023 series of the BBC dance show.
Yesterday (July 13), Graziano was axed from the 2024 series – after he was announced on the pro dancer line-up – after the claimed emerged.
Now it’s been claimed that there is video footage of the alleged behaviour towards Zara. And, it’s claimed, the footage has reduced those who’ve seen it “to tears”.
Zara is yet to comment on the claims. Graziano has fiercely denied the allegations.

Zara McDermott was paired with Graziano Di Prima on Strictly 2023 (Credit: BBC)

Strictly news: Graziano rehearsal footage ‘reduces viewers to tears’
According to The Sun, the complaint against Graziano wasn’t made by Zara. The investigation was kickstarted after a number of the Strictly production staff raised concerns over Graziano’s alleged behaviour.
The BBC then contacted Zara’s management and she was invited in to be interviewed about his behaviour. It’s said she is cooperating with the investigation. It’s also claimed she has instructed lawyers.
The pro dancer is alleged to have kicked Zara, spat at her and hit her – and there is said to be a shocking video of one incident.
“As part of a wider BBC investigation reports of Graziano’s behaviour came from multiple third-party sources — with multiple reports of physical and verbal abuse. Zara was seen stressed and upset at rehearsals and other celebrities were aware but no one reported it at the time. As soon as it came to light the BBC took swift action” one insider claimed.
“She was invited in for an interview and she confirmed what had been reported, as well as other matters being revealed. She didn’t put in a formal complaint, but is now co-operating with the investigation. The footage has reduced those who have seen it to tears.”

Video footage of their rehearsals has reportedly left those who’ve seen it in tears (Credit: BBC)