The agent of Graziano Di Prima has said that his client is "in a very vulnerable state" following his shock exit from Strictly Come Dancing this month.
The 30-year-old was axed by the BBC last week after the corporation reviewed training footage which showed him kicking celebrity partner Zara McDermott last year - an incident he apologised for at the time.
On Saturday the Italian confirmed his departure on social media, writing: "My intense passion and determination to win might have affected my training regime. Respecting the BBC HR process, I understand it's best for the show that I step away.
"While there are aspects of this story involving external influences that I can't discuss at this time, I remain committed to being strong for my family and friends."
Former Love Island star turned documentary maker McDermott, meanwhile, opened up on her experience on the show, telling followers: "I have wrestled with the fear of opening up - I was scared about public backlash, I was scared about my future, I was scared of victim shaming.
"But after a lot of conversations with those I love, I've gained the strength to face these fears, and when I was asked to speak to the BBC, I spoke candidly about my time on the show."
Di Prima's publicist Mark Borkowski has today given a statement reiterating the dancer's apology, while confirming that he has now returned to Italy to work on "mental health issues".
"There is never a time when kicking, or any sense of that is right," he said. "And he knows that. He knows he's made a mistake. He apologised at the time.
"This week the news agenda has focused on an isolated incident that Mr Di Prima deeply regrets and apologised for at the time.
"The deluge of commentary, too often without context or nuance, has provoked a pile-on that has left a young man in a very vulnerable state. In this case, like in many others, media and social media have immense power to build and destroy careers."
Borkowski added: "He has literally cut himself off from civilisation. I think that's a wise thing to do, supported by his wife. He's coming to terms with his mental health issues."
The news comes as Giovanni Pernice was also forced to leave Strictly over allegations concerning his treatment of former celeb partners - all of which he denies - while a BBC probe into the matter more generally continues.
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