BBC’s ’Strictly Come Dancing’ Controversy: Moroccan-British Actress Laila Rouass Addresses Allegations

"There has been a lot of speculation over the past two weeks about alleged complaints I have filed with the BBC regarding my time on Strictly. [...] I did not intend to make a statement, but I now think it is necessary, because over the past few weeks there have been false accusations, online abuse and harassment targeting me and my family," Laila Rouass said in a post on her Instagram account. In 2009, the British actress of Moroccan origin participated in the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing show with Anton Du Beke as her dance partner. Her participation was, however, marred by incidents. Anton made her cry when he told her she "looked like a whore" during rehearsals. At the time, Anton had also dared to make a joke about Laila’s North African heritage. He had asked her if she was a terrorist. The relationship between the dancers had deteriorated, but not for long. "I would like to revisit these incidents. Yes, Anton used offensive words and that was unacceptable. Yes, Anton publicly apologized to me. Above all, and most importantly, I do not believe that Anton is racist or Islamophobic. If I had thought he was, I would have refused to dance with him," the actress explained, assuring that she was never physically, emotionally, sexually or verbally abused by her former dance partner.

"Strictly is a show I’ve always loved, so when I was offered to participate, I was delighted. When I was paired with Anton, I knew I was in good hands," Laila confided. The show requires a lot of time and energy. Anton and I rehearsed 7 days a week, about 6 to 7 hours a day. It was at my request and Anton made himself available at those times. At no point did I feel forced by Anton or the producers to extend the rehearsals." This reaction from the actress comes at a time when Strictly’s image has been tarnished in recent months by allegations of excessive pressure, even violence, from two of the professional dancers who train and then dance in duos with celebrity novices of the discipline. "I am making this statement because I do not want to divert attention from those who have courageously denounced the alleged abuses they have suffered in the show," Laila further explained. "I do not want my experience to be mixed with the extremely serious and disturbing allegations made by other candidates. The focus must remain on them and their stories, because their stories matter. Their stories must be addressed and investigated." According to her, it would also be morally reprehensible to allow the speculation about Anton to continue.

The actress defends her former dance partner: "It would be unfair for Anton to lose his livelihood, his reputation and his credibility because of an incident that occurred 15 years ago and which, to my knowledge, has not happened since. Witch hunts have far-reaching and lasting consequences. I cannot, in good faith, continue to make assumptions." However, she admits that the experiences she has personally heard from other candidates "are extremely worrying and far outweigh" her own. "Needless to say, I have not filed an official complaint with the BBC regarding Anton and I have no intention of doing so. However, I am open to any discussion with the BBC about its duty of care," the Moroccan continued, indicating that she supports and will always support the defenders of the fight against abuse. She sends love and strength to the victims of abuse and hopes that their stories will be heard and that much will be learned. Laila also urges the BBC to take responsibility. "Any abuse, of any kind, must be taken very seriously. That is why I urge you to focus on these important allegations so that the show can make effective and satisfactory changes," she concluded.