Olivia Dunne has been facing mounting criticism while supporting her boyfriend, Paul Skenes, as the Pittsburgh Pirates grapple with ongoing performance issues in the 2025 MLB season. The recent spotlight on Dunne came after the couple encountered setbacks both off and on the field, reflecting the tensions surrounding Paul Skenes Pittsburgh Pirates struggles.
On July 8, Dunne revealed in a viral TikTok video that her attempt to purchase Babe Ruth’s former New York City apartment had been denied by the building’s co-op board. The rejection was not financially motivated, as she explained:
The people in the building voted to not have me live there, which is fine; like, honestly, it wasn’t financial.
This unexpected disappointment foreshadowed further difficult days.
Paul Skenes’ Latest Start Ends in Narrow Defeat as Pirates Fall to Twins
On July 11, Olivia Dunne traveled to Minneapolis to cheer for Paul Skenes as the Pittsburgh Pirates faced the Minnesota Twins. Despite Skenes’ solid pitching effort, the Pirates lost 2-1, with the decisive blow coming from a two-run homer by Trevor Larnach. Twins pitcher Joe Ryan outperformed Skenes, who allowed two runs on five hits while striking out six batters over five innings.
Skenes reached a personal milestone during the game, recording his 300th career strikeout by fanning Matt Wallner. His start showed flashes of dominance, including striking out the side in order during the first inning on only 12 pitches, with 53 of 78 total pitches landing as strikes. However, the stats mask a troubling winless streak; Skenes has not earned a victory in his last eight starts since May 28, despite routinely limiting opponents to two or fewer runs in 17 of 20 outings.
The Unexpected Spotlight: Olivia Dunne’s Stadium Appearance Draws Mixed Reactions
During the game at Target Field, an entertaining incident unfolded involving Olivia Dunne. The Jumbotron displayed a side-by-side comparison of Dunne and a fan bearing a striking resemblance to her, sparking laughter among the crowd. The fan, along with Dunne herself, enjoyed the humorous moment, which was widely shared on social media. Olivia reposted the clip on Instagram with a playful caption:
I guess I see the resemblance,
Olivia joked in the caption.
Despite this lighthearted moment, the game’s outcome and ongoing Pirates struggles cast a shadow over the attendance of Dunne, who was visibly there in support of Skenes. This did little to temper the online criticism she faced later that evening.
Online Backlash Grows Against Olivia Dunne Amid Paul Skenes’ Team Troubles
Following the game, Olivia Dunne encountered a wave of negative comments on social media. Some users directed sharp remarks about her presence at Pirates games, challenging her role and relevance. One user dismissed her appearance with the blunt statement,
She’s not the main character.
This comment implied that Dunne’s frequent attendance at games was unwelcome or overshadowing the sports action.
Another user posted a harsh warning:
… do not come to my town,
explicitly rejecting Dunne’s visits to different cities as she supported Skenes. Further criticisms targeted her authenticity as a celebrity, with one comment stating,
The most forced celebrity in awhile,
suggesting skepticism about the legitimacy of her fame beyond her athletic background.
Though Olivia Dunne left behind her collegiate gymnastics career with LSU Tigers, she continues to maintain a high public profile, including a recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. Yet, despite these achievements, the backlash seems to intensify instead of easing. Some comments cut deeper, challenging her identity and appearance. One notably personal jab read:
It’s time for the blonde to go or be toned down at least.
This not only questioned her physical look but implied that her public persona is becoming overbearing or unwelcome among certain fans.
Fame and Its Burdens as Olivia Dunne Navigates Increasing Criticism
Olivia Dunne’s experience highlights the pressures faced by public figures attached to struggling athletes. While she attends games to support Paul Skenes, the negative reception underscores the fine line between visibility and backlash in the public eye, especially when a team‘s performance falters. Dunne’s polished and consistent media presence, once a symbol of her gymnastics success, now appears to fuel some of the hostility directed her way.
As the Pittsburgh Pirates continue to face challenges, Paul Skenes must work to turn around his personal winless streak, while Olivia Dunne will likely remain in the public eye, confronting both supportive fans and critical detractors. How the couple manages these pressures may influence their future both on social media and in Major League Baseball circles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Did anyone pull the Paul Skenes?
A. The family first reached out to Fanatics Collect on January 2nd. After 19 days, Topps revealed an 11-year-old found the Skenes card in one hobby box.
Q. How does Livvy Dunne know Paul Skenes?
A. As reported on that site, Dunne explained how she and her partner first met while on SportsCenter. At the time, Skenes was a pitcher for LSU, where Dunne also gained recognition as a gymnast. “I noticed him in the dugout and found him attractive,” Dunne shared on SportsCenter.
Q. How much did Paul Skenes get?
A. Paul Skenes worked his way through the minor leagues and made his first appearance in Major League Baseball in 2024. He received a signing bonus of $9.2 million in 2023. In 2024, he agreed to a one-year deal with the Pirates, earning $740,000 before arbitration.