Figure skater Laurence Fournier Beaudry became emotional in a recent Netflix documentary while recounting her experience amidst the aftermath of sexual assault allegations against her former ice dance partner and boyfriend, Nikolaj Sørensen. The 33-year-old skater from Montreal shared her thoughts in “Glitter & Gold: Ice Dancing,” a docuseries scheduled for release on February 1. The show follows the journey of three top ice dancing pairs leading up to the Milan-Cortina Olympic Games, including Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron of France.
Discussing the impact of the allegations, Fournier Beaudry expressed her struggles and emotional turmoil, stating that the situation had taken a significant toll on her. She highlighted the challenges she faced, describing the period as a difficult and trying time for both her and Sørensen. The documentary also delves into the dynamics of ice dance partnerships, noting the common practice of changing national representation due to limited partner options.
Following Sørensen’s suspension for sexual misconduct in October 2024, Fournier Beaudry partnered with Cizeron and obtained French citizenship, marking a new chapter in her career. Despite the suspension being overturned by an arbitrator due to jurisdictional issues, the allegations remain a focal point of the ongoing legal battle. Sørensen has consistently denied the accusations, emphasizing that the claims have not been subjected to legal scrutiny.
Fournier Beaudry and Sørensen, who skated together for over a decade, transitioned from representing Denmark to Canada before the 2022 Winter Games. Their partnership saw success on the international stage, culminating in a national title and a fifth-place finish at the 2023 world championships. The couple’s plans for the future were disrupted by the unfolding events, leading to a period of uncertainty and change in their professional and personal lives.
The Netflix documentary also features insights into the journeys of other prominent ice dance pairs, including Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States and Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier of Canada. Fournier Beaudry and Cizeron, recent European champions, are set to compete in Milan following their victory in Sheffield. Amidst the competitive atmosphere, Cizeron faced his own controversies, with allegations of a “smear campaign” made by his former partner Gabriella Papadakis. Papadakis, a noted figure in the sport, shared her perspective in a recent book release, shedding light on the challenges faced by ice dance athletes both on and off the ice.