Guillaume Cizeron Accuses Gabriella Papadakis of Smear Campaign

Olympic ice dance champion Guillaume Cizeron has publicly accused his former partner, Gabriella Papadakis, of initiating a smear campaign against him ahead of the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics. This allegation comes as the two-time world champion prepares to compete with his new partner, Laurence Fournier Beaudry, at the European Championships taking place this week in Sheffield, England.

Cizeron, who has partnered with Fournier Beaudry since March 2023, expressed his concerns regarding Papadakis’ memoir, titled “So as Not to Disappear,” which is scheduled for release on January 18, 2024. In the memoir, excerpts published by French media suggest that Papadakis portrays their relationship as “unbalanced,” describing Cizeron as “controlling” and “demanding.” She also noted that she often felt “under his grip” during their time together.

In response to these claims, Cizeron issued a statement expressing his bewilderment and disagreement with the characterization presented in the book. “In the face of this smear campaign, I want to express my incomprehension and disagreement with the labels attributed to me,” he said. Cizeron asserted that the memoir includes “false information,” including statements he claims he never made, which he considers serious. He has instructed his legal team to take action against what he describes as defamatory claims.

Cizeron emphasized the respect he has maintained for Papadakis over their more than two-decade-long partnership, stating, “For more than 20 years, I have shown deep respect for Gabriella Papadakis. Despite the gradual erosion of our bond, our relationship was built on equal collaboration and marked by success and mutual support.”

The duo, who began skating together as children, have an impressive record, having won five world championship titles and a gold medal at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. They announced a break in June 2022, eventually leading to their retirement two years later.

Fournier Beaudry, who previously competed for Canada alongside Nikolaj Sorensen, received her French citizenship in November 2023, allowing her to compete in the Olympics. Since teaming up, they have won both Grand Prix competitions this season and finished second behind American duo Madison Chock and Evan Bates at the Grand Prix Final in December. The pair is set to contend for gold at the Milano Cortina Olympics, which commence on February 6, 2024.

As for Papadakis, she has transitioned into a broadcasting role at figure skating events since her retirement. She advocates for the inclusion of same-sex teams in ice dance and has skated in exhibitions with American Madison Hubbell to promote this cause.

The European Championships continue with the rhythm dance scheduled for Friday, followed by the free dance on Saturday. As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry as they navigate these recent controversies while pursuing Olympic glory.