Papadakis Accuses Cizeron of Control in Memoir, He Denies

Gabriella Papadakis, the French ice dancer who won Olympic gold alongside Guillaume Cizeron in 2022, has accused her former partner of exerting control over her during their two-decade collaboration in a new memoir released this week. The book, titled "Pour ne pas disparaître" or "So as Not to Disappear," details a partnership marked by fear and imbalance, prompting Cizeron to denounce the claims as false and threaten legal action just weeks before the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina.

Papadakis, 30, and Cizeron, 31, skated together from childhood until their split in December 2024, amassing an impressive record that included Olympic silver in 2018, five world championships from 2015 to 2022, five European titles, and numerous French national championships. They set 34 world records and were known for innovative routines that elevated ice dancing's artistry. In her memoir, Papadakis describes Cizeron as controlling, demanding, and overly critical, recounting how she grew terrified of being alone with him and insisted on having a coach present during practices. She writes of experiencing permanent fear, health issues, panic attacks, and a sense of being under his grip,...