Gabriella Papadakis Memoir Ignites Drama Ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics
The world of figure skating is already buzzing with anticipation – and controversy – weeks before the 2026 Winter Olympics. Retired French ice dancer Gabriella Papadakis has stirred up a storm with her recently released memoir, “Pour ne pas disparaître (So as Not to Disappear),” detailing a challenging dynamic with her former partner, Guillaume Cizeron. This has resulted in Papadakis being dropped from her role as an analyst for NBC’s Olympic Games coverage.
A Memoir Filled with Revelations
In her memoir, released on Thursday, Papadakis describes Cizeron as “controlling, demanding,” and “critical,” according to Us Weekly. These candid revelations have sent shockwaves through the skating community. Cizeron, 31, swiftly responded, labeling the book a “smear campaign” and vehemently disputing the accusations.
“The book contains false information, including statements I never made, which I consider serious,” Cizeron stated. He emphasized the long-standing respect he held for Papadakis, acknowledging that despite a gradual weakening of their bond, their partnership was built on “equal collaboration and marked by success and mutual support.”
A Partnership Defined by Success and Now, Discord
Papadakis and Cizeron, who began skating together as children, achieved remarkable success, breaking 34 records and earning two Olympic medals: gold in 2022 and silver in 2018. Their partnership was considered one of the most dominant in the history of ice dance.
NBC’s Decision and Papadakis’s Reaction
Papadakis had been working as an analyst for NBC since her retirement in December 2025. However, the network deemed her memoir a “conflict of interest” following a formal notice from Cizeron’s lawyers demanding a halt to the “dissemination of defamatory statements.” As a result, she was removed from this year’s Olympic coverage.
“I’m not dealing with it very well, I’ve cried a lot,” Papadakis confessed to L’Équipe (via Associated Press). “I was super disappointed because I was just beginning that career as a commentator. … I’m experiencing a feeling of injustice.”
Cizeron’s New Chapter and Papadakis’s Defense
Cizeron is now competing with his new partner, Laurence Fournier Beaudry. Papadakis maintains that the timing of her book’s release was unrelated to Cizeron’s return to competition, stating, “The publication date was already planned before the announcement of his return.” Beaudry has not yet publicly commented on the unfolding situation.
A Voice for Change
In a recent interview with Le Temps, Papadakis defended her decision to speak out. “I wrote this book for myself, for future generations, and for all the women who have experienced the same thing or worse and who don’t have access to such a platform,” she explained. She emphasized her belief that remaining silent was no longer an option, clarifying that her intention was not to accuse, but to honestly describe her experience. Papadakis also acknowledged her privilege as a successful athlete with a public voice, stating, “I’m one of the lucky ones.”
Her boyfriend, Sam Williams, publicly supported the book on Instagram, praising her bravery in speaking out against “systemic oppression” within the figure skating world.
The 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony is scheduled for February 6th in Italy, with the ice dancing competition commencing on the same day. The controversy surrounding Papadakis and Cizeron is sure to add another layer of intrigue to the Games.
Further Reading: NBC Olympics, Us Weekly
