OLYMPICS: Figure skating-French ice dancers Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron face controversy

MILAN — Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron arrived at the Milano Cortina Olympics as one of ice dancing's most exciting new duos and gold-medal favorites, despite being at the center of controversy.

The French pair faced scrutiny over the circumstances of their partnership, including allegations by Cizeron’s former partner Gabriella Papadakis and the suspension of Fournier Beaudry’s former partner, Nikolaj Sorensen.

In the Netflix series Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing, released Sunday, retired American skater Adam Rippon described a “sinister energy” around the two.

Asked about being cast as a villain, Cizeron focused on the ice.

"We've been very focused on having fun on the ice and bringing as much gratitude as we can to our skating," he said at the Milano Olympic Village. "We love skating together, and this is what we're focusing on."

Cizeron — the reigning Olympic champion with Papadakis — and Fournier Beaudry, who gained French citizenship last November, teamed up in March. They quickly found success, winning both Grand Prix events and last month’s European Championships.

They are expected to challenge Madison Chock and Evan Bates for Olympic gold after finishing six points behind the Americans at the Grand Prix Final, despite Fournier Beaudry’s fall in the free dance.

"We started a new chapter a year ago," Cizeron said. "Neither of us would have thought we’d be here today, so everything is a bonus. Every time we step on the ice, we feel grateful and happy to do this together."

Controversy Surrounds Papadakis Memoir

The spotlight on the duo intensified after Papadakis released her memoir, So as Not to Disappear, on January 15, calling Cizeron “controlling” and “demanding.” Cizeron called it a “smear campaign” and said his lawyers demanded an immediate halt to the claims.

"I’ve said everything I needed to say on that subject," he added. Papadakis has not responded to requests for comment.

In 2024, Fournier Beaudry’s former partner Sorensen was suspended for six years by Canada’s Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner for sexual maltreatment, related to an alleged 2012 assault. The suspension was later overturned on jurisdictional grounds.

Fournier Beaudry, who has dated Sorensen for 12 years, said in Glitter & Gold that the situation caused her significant personal and professional damage.

"When they decided to suspend him, it meant his career was over, which also meant mine was over," she said.

The three-part Netflix series also follows Chock and Bates and Canadians Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the pressures and preparations of elite ice dancing.

"The project was about helping the public understand ice dancing and why we love it," Cizeron said. "People see what we do in competition, but this shows the preparation, the stakes, and the life behind the scenes. From what I’ve heard, people appreciated it."

-Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Ken Ferris/Reuters