A major controversy has erupted in the world of figure skating just months before the 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Guillaume Cizeron, the French ice dance champion, has publicly accused his former partner, Gabriella Papadakis, of orchestrating a smear campaign against him.
Allegations Surface Ahead of Olympic Games
The accusations were made public on January 13, 2026, casting a shadow over one of the sport's most celebrated former partnerships. Cizeron and Papadakis, who skated together for over a decade, are legendary for their success, including a gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Montpellier, France, and an Olympic silver medal in 2018 followed by gold in 2022.
The timing of the allegations is particularly sensitive, with the next Winter Olympics on the horizon. The details of the alleged smear campaign have not been fully disclosed, but the public nature of the accusation suggests a significant and personal rift between the two athletes who were once inseparable on the ice.
A Partnership That Captivated the World
For years, Papadakis and Cizeron were synonymous with artistic excellence in ice dance. Their innovative programs and seamless chemistry made them global stars and multiple-time world champions. Their victory at the 2022 World Championships, captured in an iconic AP photo, was seen as a crowning achievement before they stepped away from competitive partnership.
The end of their competitive skating partnership was previously understood as an amicable transition to new chapters in their careers. This new development paints a starkly different picture of their off-ice relationship post-retirement from pairs competition.
Implications for the 2026 Winter Olympics
While neither athlete is expected to compete as a pair in the 2026 Games, the scandal could impact the atmosphere around the figure skating events. Both remain influential figures in the sport, and a public feud may draw attention away from the current competitors.
The figure skating community, known for its intense scrutiny of athletes' personal and professional lives, is now abuzz with speculation about the origins and validity of Cizeron's claims. As of now, Gabriella Papadakis has not issued a public response to the allegations made by her former partner.
This story continues to develop, and further statements from either party or their representatives are anticipated. The situation serves as a reminder of the complex and sometimes fraught personal dynamics that can exist behind the glittering facade of elite sporting partnerships.
