Olympic ice dance champion Guillaume Cizeron has spoken out against his former on-ice partner Gabriella Papadakis, accusing her of spreading falsehoods ahead of the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. Cizeron, who now skates with Laurence Fournier Beaudry, has claimed that Papadakis is engaging in a smear campaign through a forthcoming book titled “So as Not to Disappear.”
Papadakis and Cizeron enjoyed immense success as a duo in ice dance, setting records and winning numerous championships before parting ways in December 2024. Papadakis, in excerpts from her book published by French media, portrayed their relationship as imbalanced, with her feeling controlled and oppressed by Cizeron over time.
Cizeron has expressed bewilderment at the timing of these allegations, just weeks before the Winter Olympics kick off on February 6. He vehemently denies the accusations, labeling them as false and harmful. Cizeron has taken legal action to stop the spread of what he considers defamatory claims.
In her book, Papadakis also opened up about her personal struggles, including past sexual assaults and an abortion. She described feeling fearful about being alone with Cizeron at a certain point in their relationship. Despite the current controversy, Cizeron emphasized his respect for Papadakis and highlighted their shared successes and support over the years.
Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry have been making waves in the ice dance circuit, securing victories at the Grand Prix de France and the Finlandia Trophy. Fournier Beaudry, a former Canadian skater who recently obtained French citizenship, joined forces with Cizeron, and together they are poised to be strong contenders at the upcoming Winter Olympics.