Repercussions of Papadakis' book & Cizeron's response

[Bigbird]

All I pointed out was that Gabby has done nothing to interfere with his telling his side of the story, and it would have been nice if he had offered her the same courtesy. He's free to publish an article or do an interview or even write his own book saying, "I think she's got it wrong, this is how I see it." But just trying to get her to stop talking not only suggests that the portrait she painted of him as controlling is true, but also creates a Streisand effect that gives her story more attention.

Precisely.

 

[MsZem]

All I pointed out was that Gabby has done nothing to interfere with his telling his side of the story, and it would have been nice if he had offered her the same courtesy. He's free to publish an article or do an interview or even write his own book saying, "I think she's got it wrong, this is how I see it." But just trying to get her to stop talking not only suggests that the portrait she painted of him as controlling is true, but also creates a Streisand effect that gives her story more attention.

But Cizeron didn't want to publish an article or give a bunch of interviews or publish a book. He wanted to train for the Olympics and win a gold medal, and not to have his name tranished with what he believes are defamatory statements. Is it controlling to want that? I don't think it is, but others can certainly disagree. Now, I'm not a lawyer (thank god) or an expert on the French legal system (thank god x a million), but I don't believe a C&D letter has the force of law. Papadakis and her publisher are not obliged to heed it, and indeed her book has not been pulled - she is not being made to disappear.

As for NBC firing her... Papadakis is not an idiot. She's a thoughtful person and deliberate in her choices. She must have known publishing a book calling out not just systemic issues in skating (of which, let's face it, there are PLENTY) but also her coaching team (which coaches over half the Olympic field!) and previous partner would create the appearance of bias, and NBC might consider that problematic in someone who's supposed to provide credible analysis to viewers.

My guess is that Papadakis thought that what she had to say was important enough to take the risk of significant backlash and publish this book, at this time. In doing so, she's using her voice, her fame, and her agency, to make things better for skaters and for women more broadly - a powerful course of action. Good for her.

 

[Wyliefan]

But Cizeron didn't want to publish an article or give a bunch of interviews or publish a book. He wanted to train for the Olympics and win a gold medal, and not to have his name tranished with what he believes are defamatory statements. Is it controlling to want that?

Of course it's not controlling to want that. What's controlling is to hit her with a cease and desist. No, he can't force the legal system to silence her, but he is making an effort in that direction.

 

[kwanfan1818]

She did not decide the publication date. She started the book before he had a new partnership.

She has been vocal for almost the entire cycle about her issues with skating culture, and she's posted her thoughts widely in addition to interviews she's given. NBC knew what they were getting, knew that the break-up was not copacetic, knew that she thought IAM was toxic before the book was published, and if they didn't vet the book's contents before they hired her and suddenly decided the book, which was public knowledge and for which the publication date was known for months, was the breaking point for "conflict of interest" only after receiving a non-binding letter from his lawyers, that is journalism and spineless corporate media as we know it.

 

[MsZem]

Of course it's not controlling to want that. What's controlling is to hit her with a cease and desist. No, he can't force the legal system to silence her, but he is making an effort in that direction.

A C&D letter is a legal way to say "stop libeling/slandering me or I'll take formal legal action." This doesn't mean he's actually being libeled/slandered! But it's not an unusual step to take if you believe someone is spreading falsehoods and defaming you, which it seems he is.

And again, focusing on Cizeron distracts from the much more important critique of systemic issues in skating, which is apparently what Papadakis is really trying to get across. I wish everyone - Cizeron, IAM, random skating fans etc. - would focus on those and pay less attention to the reality show stuff. This isn't Jersey Shore.

 

[puglover]

I am not sure which teams had an even slightly enjoyable season but it certainly doesn't seem like any of the podium finishers did, maybe some of the up and coming teams that operated under the fray. Carol Lane spoke very plainly about the tough season it was for Piper and Paul, one filled with stress, doubt and almost panic. How much of that is due to FB/C entering the mix and how much of that is due to questions regarding the judging is hard to say. I can't help but wonder if some of this very emotional reaction is not just a product of the results, but also due to the extra tension and uncertainty that seems to have been there all season. I know many, maybe all, will disagree with me but I think given the way things turned out, it was good that Gabby not be there commentating for NBC. Where does the sport go from here? I agree with those who think we saw some absolutely amazing skating and even the lower placed teams were olympic quality. I hope some of those retiring raise their voices in constructive ways as the sport needs them. Now let us cleanse our palates and bring on the men!