ALJAŽ Škorjanec has broken his silence on a 'shocking' outburst that occurred on the Strictly Come Dancing tour in 2022.
The Sun previously revealed how the dancer - who has returned to this year's show - agreed to leave under a cloud over the incident.
But now Aljaž has finally addressed the incident - insisting he was not abusive backstage.
Speaking to the Daily Star, the 34-year-old said: "It's difficult to read. Of course it's hurtful. It's a bit out of my control.
"All I can do is have my chin up and move forward. That's the best thing to do."
At the time of his departure from Strictly, the Slovenian hunk said he was quitting to pursue an acting career.
Aljaž added: "Strictly changed my life when I was in my early 20s. It gave me a chance to show my passion and love to dance. It is such an honour. I've always seen it that way.
"It just humbles you. All I've ever tried to do is my absolute best. "All I've ever tried to do is my absolute best and contribute to Strictly in the best and the kindest possible way."
During the incident he had been among a group of male pros, who The Sun is not naming, basking in their new fame and enjoying wild nights out.
But while others settled down as time passed, it is claimed Aljaz continued to seek out the high life.
That year, the tour began on January 20 in Birmingham and ran until February 13 at London’s O2 Arena.
A source previously told us: “During a very drunken night out on the tour two years ago, he got into a very serious, pretty shocking altercation with another female dancer, and made her feel deeply uncomfortable.
“Many people were aware of the incident and it has been widely discussed backstage since. Execs would have to be living in a cave not to have heard the rumours.
"It’s baffling to those on the inside how the BBC thought they could get away with this, and a lot of people involved with this year’s series are deeply uncomfortable with the situation.”
BBC Studios previously declined to comment when asked about the incident on the 2022 Strictly tour.
A BBC spokesperson also said they did not recognise the claims against Aljaz and said it was his decision to leave in 2022.
