Strictly Come Dancing’s controversial Wynne Evans hand moment has been criticised by Women’s Aid.
During last weekend’s (October 12) live episode of the BBC show, viewers noticed dancer Katya Jones removing celebrity partner Wynne’s hand from her waist during a break between dances.
A clip of Katya appearing to ignore Wynne’s attempt at a high-five also drew attention.
The pair later posted on social media to say they were “just messing around” and that it was a “very silly inside joke”, Katya also saying that “the idea that it made me feel uncomfortable or offended in any way is complete nonsense”.
Wynne subsequently said he was “absolutely heartbroken” by the media attention it has drawn, while Katya called for an “end” to the controversy.
However, Women’s Aid has issued a statement condemning the incident, saying (via Metro): “Inappropriate behaviour towards women is no laughing matter.
“With an epidemic of misogyny and violence against women and girls in the UK, we need a media culture where women feel safe to speak up, where sexually inappropriate conduct is not trivialised or joked about.
“It’s important we challenge inappropriate ‘jokes’ so we don’t continue normalising toxic attitudes that cultivate these forms of gender-based abuse.”
During an appearance on Strictly – It Takes Two earlier this week, Wynne admitted he could see how people could have “misinterpreted” his actions.
Katya also defended her dance partner, saying: “Can I please get something out of the way that I feel overshadowed our performance for absolutely no reason. I quite frankly can’t bear sitting here watching this man being portrayed as someone he’s not.
“In fact, it couldn’t be further away from the truth. So, I have to make this absolutely clear that this whole incident with the hand and the high five on Saturday night – it was an inside joke between Wynne and I.
“Was it a silly joke? Yes. Was it a bad joke? Yes.”
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturdays on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Interested in talking about Strictly? Visit our dedicated sub-forum
If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge and Women’s Aid can provide support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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