Laila Rouass has broken her silence for the first time since it was reported she consulted her lawyers over her time on Strictly with Anton Du Beke. It was understood Laila's complaint to lawyers focused on a remark made by the star in 2009, in which Anton commented that she looked like "a P*ki" after a spray tan. Anton later apologised for the inappropriate jibe and Laila issued a statement saying that she accepted his apology.
However, Laila has now taken to Instagram to share a statement following the reports. While she admitted that her time on the show was "scarred by a handful of incidents" - including Anton using "unacceptable derogatory words" - she also said that she does not believe Anton is a racist or Islamaphobic. She went on to explain the reason why she was speaking out, saying that "it would be morally reprehensible if [she] allowed speculation about Anton to continue".
She added that she feared he "could lose his livelihood, reputation and credibility for an incident that happened 15 years ago". Laila also said that she "did not wish to take the focus away from those who have bravely spoken out about the alleged abuse they experienced on the show". The actress said in the statement: There has been much speculation over the last couple of weeks about alleged complaints I have made to the BBC regarding my time at Strictly.
I has no intention of making a statement but now feel it's necessary as over the last couple of weeks there have been false accusations, onl.