Accuser of Sørensen Warns French Ice Dancer’s Comments Endanger Environment
The recent remarks by French ice dance couple Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron have sparked significant backlash. An American figure skating coach, who has accused Canadian-Danish skater Nikolaj Sørensen of sexual assault, warns that their comments could jeopardize the safety of athletes and contribute to a culture of silence around abuse in the sport.
Comments Create Dangerous Environment for Athletes
Fournier Beaudry, who is also Sørensen’s girlfriend and former skating partner, has publicly defended him against allegations reported by USA Today in January 2024. In a Netflix documentary, she expressed her unwavering belief in Sørensen, stating, “I know my boyfriend 100 per cent. I know him.”
The complainant criticized the public defense by the French team, asserting that it reinforces the stigma surrounding reporting abuse. She stated, “The comments of the reigning Olympic champion and a team in contention for the upcoming Olympic title carry weight, and using their voices to publicly undermine a survivor’s truths further enforces the culture of silence in figure skating.”
Background of the Allegations
The allegations against Sørensen date back to 2012, when the complainant claims he sexually assaulted her in Hartford, Connecticut. Sørensen was initially banned from skating for six years due to sexual maltreatment according to the now-defunct Office of the Sport Integrity Commissioner (OSIC) in October 2024. This ban has recently been overturned but remains under appeal.
Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron’s Olympic Aspirations
Fournier Beaudry became a French citizen in November and is currently preparing for the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games alongside Cizeron, the reigning Olympic champion.
- Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron focus on their Olympic goals amidst controversy.
- Cizeron faced scrutiny for recent comments on a tell-all book by former partner Gabriella Papadakis.
- Papadakis accused him of controlling behavior, stating it affected her career opportunities.
When questioned about their defense of Sørensen, Fournier Beaudry replied, “We said everything we needed to say about that subject,” emphasizing their commitment to focus on the upcoming Olympics.
In response to inquiries regarding their public image, Cizeron stated, “Since the start, a year ago, we’ve been very focused on having a lot of fun on the ice and bringing as much gratefulness as we can to our skating.”
Conclusion
The ongoing situation highlights the delicate balance within the world of figure skating, where personal relationships and public statements can have far-reaching impacts. The emphasis on creating a safer environment for all athletes remains a crucial concern as the sport prepares for its next major event.
