Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu recently found herself facing speculation about an alleged relationship with Frédéric Arnault, often dubbed by C-netizens as the third young master of LVMH. The latest wave of discussion emerged on Chinese social media after a reported split earlier this year with BLACKPINK’s Lisa whom he’s been linked with since 2022.
The speculation about Eileen Gu allegedly being Frédéric Arnault’s new girlfriend prompted the 22-year-old sports star to address the rumors. Without mentioning any names, she simply shared snaps of herself on social media with the caption, “Another new relationship?? I’m always the last one to know. Let’s call it a day.” Her response though playful was widely see as a clear denial. Much of the speculation surrounding Gu and Arnault appears to stem from photographs of them attending events. However, Eileen Gu is a brand ambassador for Louis Vuitton, while Arnault is part of the senior management which is why appearances at fashion shows, industry events and other gatherings can therefore be understood in a professional context. Furthermore, other supposed “evidence” seem more speculation than independently verified information. The story is not entirely new either and in any case, Eileen Gu’s lighthearted response may be the clearest answer yet.
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Wendy
Sometimes I wonder about relationship rumors; as in, what is the purpose? Some appear to be marketing tactics in which both people (or more) appear to have to do because of the show(s) they were in. Some relationship rumors seem like headline grabs by not very news-worthy celebs trying to give themselves preceived desirablity by name dropping someone higher up the ladder. These I understand as marketing not romance. I don’t understand the rumors about previous or no-longer existing relationships… like the recent Song Yuqi and Jackson Wang rumor (both are adults and the rumor is that they aren’t dating now after dating privately? – I don’t see why I should care?). Is it an attempt to harm either partner, like in the rumor of Eileen Gu and Frederick Arnault?
I notice that some women’s whole publicity is based off dating rumors rather than any viable career, and I’m not sure what the purpose of that is. I can’t think of a single man who is marketed this way.
TLDR: Why rumor about people’s relationships when folks are (hopefully) consenting adults? Especially when its an event many people are at for business requirements. It makes people seem like lusting animals not people at all. Just because two different sexes were in the same location doesn’t mean they’re dating.