The French ice dancers controversy centers on Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. The pair are facing scrutiny related to public disputes and past partnerships. Attention has increased as they prepare for the Milano–Cortina Games. The situation involves legal statements, published claims, and previous professional relationships.
Guillaume Cizeron has publicly challenged claims made by his former ice dance partner, Gabriella Papadakis. The comments appear in Papadakis’s memoir, which is scheduled for release in early 2026. Cizeron stated that the descriptions in the book are false. He said legal representatives were instructed to stop the publication of what he described as defamatory content.
French Ice Dancers Controversy Linked to Former Partnership Dispute
The French ice dancers controversy follows the end of the long-running Papadakis-Cizeron partnership. The duo won Olympic gold in ice dance at the 2022 Beijing Games. They also secured multiple world championship titles during their career. Their competitive partnership officially ended in late 2024.
Papadakis’s memoir includes personal accounts of their time skating together. Cizeron has denied the accuracy of those accounts. He has stated that he intends to pursue legal action related to the claims. No court ruling has been announced.
French Ice Dancers Controversy Involves Past Associations
The French ice dancers controversy also involves Fournier Beaudry’s previous partnership. She formerly competed for Canada with Nikolaj Sørensen. Sørensen received a multi-year suspension in October 2024 following a disciplinary ruling for sexual maltreatment. Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron publicly supported Sørensen in 2025.
Fournier Beaudry later obtained French citizenship in late 2025. This allowed her to compete internationally for France. She and Cizeron formed a new ice dance team in March 2025.
French Ice Dancers Controversy Continues During Competitive Success
Despite the French ice dancers controversy, the team has continued to compete. They won two Grand Prix events during the 2025–26 season. They also earned silver at the Grand Prix Final. In January 2026, they won the European ice dance title in Sheffield.
Their competitive schedule continues through the 2026 Winter Olympics. The controversy remains ongoing as preparations move forward.
