French figure skating champion Guillaume Cizeron has launched a scathing attack on his former partner Gabriella Papadakis, accusing her of orchestrating a "smear campaign" in a new book. The Olympic gold medalist claims that Papadakis has published defamatory statements about him, which he considers to be serious and false.
Cizeron's accusation comes after excerpts from the book were published by French media, in which Papadakis describes an "unbalanced" relationship with Cizeron, where she felt "under his grip" and accused him of being "controlling" and "demanding". The pair won five World Championship titles together before ending their partnership two years ago.
In response to the claims, Cizeron expressed his incomprehension and disagreement with the labels attributed to him. He stated that the book contains false information, including statements he never made, which he considers to be serious. Cizeron has instructed his lawyers to demand an immediate halt to Papadakis' claims.
Cizeron also defended their relationship, saying that it was built on equal collaboration and marked by success and mutual support. The French skater is competing at the European Championships in Sheffield this week with new partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry before next month's Winter Olympics in Milan.
Papadakis has worked as a broadcaster at figure skating events since retiring in 2024, but Cizeron's accusations suggest that her actions may not be entirely above board. The drama highlights the challenges faced by former Olympic partners when their relationships come to an end, and the need for respect and dignity in the face of public scrutiny.
As the Winter Olympics approach, Cizeron's accusation is likely to raise questions about his readiness for competition. Despite this, he remains committed to defending himself against Papadakis' claims and will be hoping that the courts can provide some clarity on the matter before the Games get underway.
Cizeron's accusation comes after excerpts from the book were published by French media, in which Papadakis describes an "unbalanced" relationship with Cizeron, where she felt "under his grip" and accused him of being "controlling" and "demanding". The pair won five World Championship titles together before ending their partnership two years ago.
In response to the claims, Cizeron expressed his incomprehension and disagreement with the labels attributed to him. He stated that the book contains false information, including statements he never made, which he considers to be serious. Cizeron has instructed his lawyers to demand an immediate halt to Papadakis' claims.
Cizeron also defended their relationship, saying that it was built on equal collaboration and marked by success and mutual support. The French skater is competing at the European Championships in Sheffield this week with new partner Laurence Fournier Beaudry before next month's Winter Olympics in Milan.
Papadakis has worked as a broadcaster at figure skating events since retiring in 2024, but Cizeron's accusations suggest that her actions may not be entirely above board. The drama highlights the challenges faced by former Olympic partners when their relationships come to an end, and the need for respect and dignity in the face of public scrutiny.
As the Winter Olympics approach, Cizeron's accusation is likely to raise questions about his readiness for competition. Despite this, he remains committed to defending himself against Papadakis' claims and will be hoping that the courts can provide some clarity on the matter before the Games get underway.