Olivia Dunne is once again at the center of online discussion after a video featuring her and MLB star Paul Skenes began circulating widely on social media. The clip, taken during a nighttime outing, shows Dunne stopping to sign autographs for fans who approached her on the street. What caught viewers’ attention, however, was not just her presence, but how the moment unfolded.
In the video, Paul Skenes remains almost entirely unnoticed, despite standing near her. Dunne signs the autograph without making eye contact, hands the pen back, and walks away without further interaction. The brief exchange quickly became a talking point, with many viewers describing her demeanor as dry and detached. At the same time, fans questioned how one of baseball’s most exciting young stars could go virtually ignored.
A familiar pattern of scrutiny
For Dunne, criticism is nothing new. During her time at LSU, she regularly faced backlash from those who felt she was benefiting too heavily from NIL opportunities while remaining in college for a fourth year. Critics argued she had overstayed her collegiate career, questioning her legitimacy despite her visibility and marketability.
Now graduated, the criticism has shifted rather than disappeared. Online conversations increasingly suggest that Dunne craves the spotlight, with some accusing her of leaning into Skenes’ growing MLB fame. Although she has stated she is no longer a professional athlete, Dunne continues to work as a model and social media figure, maintaining a strong presence tied to sports culture while building her personal brand beyond gymnastics.
The contrast fueling the backlash
The viral video intensified that debate. As fans revisited Dunne’s injury history and limited participation during her final year at LSU gymnastics, comparisons quickly emerged. On the other side stood Skenes, coming off a remarkable start to his MLB career.
That contrast became central to the criticism. Many online voices argued that while Skenes has delivered on the field with both performance and professionalism, Dunne’s behavior in the video suggested a lack of engagement with the very fans who support her. The fact that attention was focused on her – while Skenes was overlooked – only sharpened the reaction.
Attention without connection
What unsettled many viewers most was not just who received the spotlight, but how it was handled. Critics pointed out the irony of Dunne being accused of seeking attention, yet appearing disengaged when fans approached her directly. The moment reinforced an ongoing narrative questioning how she balances fame, accessibility, and public expectation.
Ultimately, the clip reignited an old debate making it a bigger one.
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