One of sport's most high-profile new couples, influencer Livvy Dunne and Pittsburgh Pirates baseball star Paul Skenes, have found themselves at the centre of online ridicule following a painfully awkward interview. The pair, who began dating in 2023, faced a relationship test for GQ magazine that backfired spectacularly, leaving fans questioning how well they truly know each other.
The Cringeworthy Quiz Exchange
In a video shared by GQ Sports, the couple were seen quizzing one another on basic personal details. The exchange quickly turned uncomfortable when Dunne, a former LSU gymnast, asked Skenes: 'What was my first job?' Skenes, looking blank, guessed 'influencer or gymnast', which was incorrect. He then compounded the error by asking if she had ever had a 'real job', to which a smiling Dunne replied 'yes'.
The situation did not improve. Skenes incorrectly suggested her first job was 'what you're doing now', prompting Dunne to reveal she worked briefly as a coach. When it was his turn, Skenes asked Dunne if she knew his first job, which she did not. He claimed it was being in the Air Force, referencing his time at the United States Air Force Academy in 2018.
The awkwardness peaked with the next question. Skenes asked Dunne to name his biggest baseball hero. She answered, 'I don't really know', before tentatively mentioning Mike Trout as someone he admired. Skenes gave her a point, but only because, as he stated, he doesn't actually have a hero.
Social Media Backlash and Fan Reaction
Viewers were swift and merciless in their judgement, flooding the comment section with criticism. One highly-liked comment, with over 1,000 likes, sarcastically asked: 'Had they ever met prior to this interview?' Others labelled the interaction 'awkward', 'embarrassing', and lacking in chemistry.
'I’ve seen less awkward job interviews,' wrote one user. Another added, 'I’ve seen fewer red flags at a bull run', while a further comment questioned, 'Do they even like or know each other?' The consensus among fans was that the couple displayed a surprising lack of fundamental knowledge about one another's lives.
Contrasting Public Appearances
The awkward interview stands in stark contrast to the couple's usual carefully curated public image. Just earlier this month, they were spotted enjoying a romantic outing in New York City, visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Dunne was filmed for TikTok, leaning on Skenes and mouthing the words to 'Last Christmas', jokingly calling him her 'tallest shoulder ever'.
Their relationship has been a source of public fascination since they went public in 2023, with the pair frequently sharing glimpses of their life together, from New York dates to European holidays. However, the recent GQ quiz has undoubtedly cast a new, more sceptical light on America's newest sports power couple.
