The woman who accused Canadian-Danish figure skater Nikolaj Sørensen of sexual assault has expressed concerns about public statements made by French ice dance duo Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron. She believes these comments could deter athletes from reporting abuse and perpetuate a culture of silence within the sport.
Fournier Beaudry, a former Canadian skater and Sørensen’s girlfriend and former skating partner, has consistently defended him in the media, including in a recent Netflix documentary where she reaffirmed her belief in his character.
In response, the accuser, an American figure skating coach and former skater, criticized the French team’s remarks, stating that the influential voices of reigning Olympic champions like Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron could discourage survivors from coming forward and contribute to a culture of secrecy in figure skating.
The allegations against Sørensen date back to 2012 when the complainant claims he sexually assaulted her in Hartford, Conn. Following a ban imposed by the Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner in October 2024, which was later overturned but is currently under appeal, Sørensen has denied the accusations.
Fournier Beaudry, who acquired French citizenship in November, and Cizeron are now considered top contenders for gold at the upcoming Milano-Cortina Olympic Games. When asked about their support for Sørensen, Fournier Beaudry emphasized their focus on the Olympics and declined to comment further on the matter during a recent media interaction.
The duo has faced scrutiny in the past, with Cizeron being accused by his former partner, Gabriella Papadakis, in a book released earlier this year. Despite the controversies surrounding them, Cizeron and Fournier Beaudry remain committed to their skating and are determined to stay focused on their performance at the Olympics.
Overall, the situation highlights the complexities and tensions within the figure skating world, where personal relationships, allegations, and competitive aspirations intersect, influencing both the athletes involved and the broader skating community.
