The International Skating Union has issued a response following days of intense discussion surrounding the ice dance results that left Madison Chock and Evan Bates with silver — and triggered significant backlash online over scoring from a French judge.
Almost immediately after the scores were posted, fans took to social media questioning the panel’s marks. Many pointed specifically to component scores they believed did not fully reflect the Americans’ execution, performance quality, and technical difficulty. Within hours, slow-motion replays, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed scoring breakdowns were circulating widely.
In a brief but direct statement, an ISU spokesperson emphasized that judging panels operate independently under established criteria. The organization stressed that results are determined collectively by the full panel — not by a single judge — and noted that scoring protocols are transparent and publicly accessible. The statement also referenced internal oversight procedures designed to review judging consistency.
Despite that clarification, debate has continued.
For many viewers, the controversy extended beyond numbers. When the final standings appeared in the kiss-and-cry, Chock and Bates exchanged a quiet glance and paused before reacting. The subtle moment resonated with fans, who interpreted it in various ways as the reality of the results settled in.
When asked afterward about the judging, Chock chose her words carefully. She acknowledged the emotion of competition while expressing pride in their performance and gratitude for the support they’ve received. Bates echoed that sentiment, focusing on the work invested throughout the season rather than engaging directly in the scoring debate.
Their composed response drew praise from many observers, who described it as professional and measured in the midst of widespread online criticism.
For now, the results remain unchanged. But the broader conversation — about judging transparency, scoring consistency, and the complexities of figure skating evaluation — has once again moved to the forefront of the sport.
And if recent reactions are any indication, it is a discussion unlikely to fade anytime soon.
