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Giovanni Pernice is 'coming out fighting': Sources claim that Strictly star could take legal action for libel, defamation and loss of earnings - and is furious that 'opaque' allegations might derail his career, reveals KATIE HIND
Sweetly cupping his brand new Pomeranian puppy in both hands, Giovanni Pernice almost managed to smile as he gazed down at the new addition to his family.
Yet, much to the star's frustration, these women have either raised accusations relating to his manner and work ethic that are — says a friend of his — 'frankly opaque', or have damned him by keeping an evasive silence when asked if they support him. Giovanni is now represented by attack dog law firm Schillings, a London-based legal company which has acted for stars such as JK Rowling, Johnny Depp and Ryan Giggs — and has vowed that, whatever it takes, he will not be cancelled. Friends say Giovanni robustly denies any wrongdoing and is said to be 'baffled' that the only specific accusation of 'misconduct' against him appears to be about him bruising 52-year-old Abbington's foot, which his lawyer says is 'an occupational hazard of dancing — professionally or at a wedding'.
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