Olympic champion Papadakis was suspended from her work as a commentator at the 2026 Games after Cizeron’s complaint

Olympic champion in ice dancing, Frenchwoman Gabriella Papadakis, said that she was suspended from working for the American television channel NBC at the 2026 Olympic Games in Italy due to a complaint from her former partner Guillaume Cizeron.

In her book “Pour ne pas disparaitre” (“So as not to disappear”), Papadakis said that during joint performances with Cizeron, she “was under his control” and also noted that she was frightened by “the thought of being left alone with him.”

Cizeron, who performs with new partner Laurence Fournier-Baudry, condemned Papadkis’ “defamatory statements” and is considering filing a lawsuit.

In comments to AFP, Papadkis said the relationship she had with Cizeron “is symptomatic of this system.”

“I may have been under some kind of control and experienced things that were unacceptable, but in fact these relationships reflect what is happening in the system. This is a very common occurrence. I tried to change the situation, but nothing worked – the conversation was over. Gradually I realized that I was in a dangerous situation for my physical and mental health.

I was supposed to go to Italy as a commentator for NBC. Unfortunately, a few days ago I received a call that after my ex-partner complained, they changed their mind, which makes me very sad. I regret it, but at the same time I knew that writing this book would unfortunately affect my career. It never ends well for people who speak out against “systems of oppression,” Papadakis said.

In a duet with Cizeron, Papadakis became the champion (2022), silver medalist (2018) of the Olympic Games, five-time world champion and five-time European champion.

The 2026 Olympics will take place in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo from February 6 to 22.