Strictly dancer who took part in history making same-sex routine shuts down ‘silly’ complainers
Graziano Di Prima and Johannes Radebe performed Strictly’s first ever same-sex dance routine (BBC)
One of the dancers who took part in Strictly Come Dancing’s first ever same-sex dance pairing last year has hit out at those who complained about the routine.
Graziano Di Prima told Attitude magazine that he and his dance partner Johannes Radebe were not worried when the BBC received almost 200 complaints about the performance.
“OK, there were 200 complaints, but there were millions of people writing to us, sending us videos saying thank you and celebrating our friendship. And for [Johannes], as a gay man, it means the world.”
Di Prima continued: “Why should I care about 200 people? Are you kidding me? Those 200 people, you will see that in the future they will change their minds.
“It is such a silly thing because dancing is for everyone,” he added.
Groundbreaking same-sex dance routine on Strictly Come Dancing sparked almost 200 complaints.
Furthermore, the professional dancer said that it is not necessary to have a male and female pairing – and said the important thing is that both people “love dancing.”
“Dance is love, that’s it,” he said.
Strictly Come Dancing made history in November when Radebe and Di Prima danced together to Emeli Sandé’s ‘Shine’. The incredible moment marked the first time two people of the same gender had completed a full dance routine on the show.
Why should I care about 200 people? Are you kidding me? Those 200 people, you will see that in the future they will change their minds.
Speaking about the dance, Radebe told HELLO! magazine: “I’ve never felt so liberated. For the first time in my life, I feel accepted for who I am. That says so much about the people of this country.
“To be able to dance with a friend I respect and adore is joyous. There’s bromance galore between us, but there were no male and female roles, just free movement.
“It was beautiful, classy and elegant.”
Those who complained said it is ‘offensive to feature two men dancing as a pair.’
While the routine was met with love and support from many fans, some took it upon themselves to complain. Of the 189 official complaints lodged with the BBC, most said their issue with the routine was that it is “offensive to feature two men dancing as a pair.”
The broadcaster said in response the to Strictly complaints: “Strictly Come Dancing is an inclusive show and is proud to have been able to facilitate the dance between Johannes and Graziano during the Professionals’ dance. They are dancers first and foremost, and their sex had no bearing on their routine.”
Last month, Dancing on Ice announced its first ever same-sex pairing in the contest for its upcoming season, beating Strictly to the punch.
