Leerdam misses Olympic opening after diva backlash

Dutch speed skating star Jutta Leerdam, fiancée of boxing celebrity Jake Paul, skipped the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics following backlash over her decision to fly to Italy on a private jet.

Leerdam, a two-time Olympian, chose to stay in her hotel room during Friday’s opening ceremony instead of attending the event with her teammates. The Olympic silver medalist shared an Instagram story showing the Netherlands team on the main stage at San Siro Stadium in Milan, adding orange heart, lion, and Dutch flag emojis.

Private Jet Sparks “Diva” Criticism

Leerdam’s absence came just one day after she was criticized for traveling to the Milan-Cortina Games via private plane rather than joining the rest of the Dutch delegation. The luxury trip quickly sparked controversy in the Netherlands, with critics labeling her behavior as diva-like.

Former Dutch football star turned sports analyst Johan Derksen was among her harshest critics.

“Her behavior is horrible and resembles that of a diva,” Derksen said, according to the Daily Mail.
“If I were her coach, I wouldn’t tolerate it. The whole Netherlands is gradually getting fed up with her behavior.”

Luxury Details Fuel Backlash

Photos from Leerdam’s private jet further intensified the debate. The aircraft featured “Success Jutta” banners, personalized cupcakes, and high-end meals more typical of a Michelin-star restaurant than a flight at 30,000 feet.

Olympic Pedigree and Gold Medal Hopes

Despite the controversy, Leerdam remains one of the top contenders at the Games. This marks her second Olympic appearance after winning silver in the women’s 1,000-meter event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Currently ranked second in the world, Leerdam is aiming for gold in both the 1,000m and 500m speed skating events scheduled for February 9 and 15. She is also a multiple-time world champion and holds the women’s team sprint world record (1:24.02) alongside teammates Letitia de Jong and Femke Kok.

As the Winter Olympics continue, Leerdam’s performance on the ice may ultimately determine whether the focus shifts back to her athletic achievements rather than the controversy surrounding her arrival.