Livvy Dunne deleted her Instagram story about boyfriend Paul Skenes after an ‘awkward’ interaction was captured on social media.
Dunne and Skenes met at LSU, where Dunne is a member of the gymnastics team. She has built up a huge social media following on TikTok and Instagram, and as of February 2023 was the most followed NCAA athlete on social media.
That internet presence meant Dunne could cash in when the NCAA changed its rules in 2021 to allow athletes to earn money from their name, image and likeness. Dunne now has endorsements with Motorola, American Eagle and Vuori.
Meanwhile, Skenes played college baseball for the Tigers before being drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2023 MLB draft.
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After just one season in the minor leagues, Skenes was promoted to the majors in May, and his stellar season led to him being named the MLB Rookie of the Year, which was announced on Monday night.
Dunne posted the pair’s reaction to the news on TikTok, and the video showed a stoic Skenes barely reacting while she reacted with great enthusiasm.
She then created a meme of Skenes’ face, which she posted to her Instagram story.
The post read: “Paul Skenes happy. Paul Skenes sad. Paul Skenes angry. Paul Skenes surprised. Paul Skenes frustrated. Paul Skenes winning ROTY” while showing the same subdued face.
She has since deleted the image, although it isn't clear why.
Many comments on the original TikTok video asked why the exchange was so awkward.
Dunne responded: “I was nervous like AHHHH.”
The TikTok star is hoping her experience working with brands via her social media will translate into a long term venture once she finishes her gymnastics career.
According to ON3.com, the 22-year-old has earned $9.5m from endorsements during her college career.
Speaking in 2023, Dunne said: “I definitely want to do something entrepreneurial. I love working with brands and I feel like over time, like the past two years, I’ve learned so much from working with brands that I definitely want to have my own thing one day, my own product, or something.
“I don’t know exactly what yet, but I definitely want to have my own thing.”
Topics: US Sports
Alex Chivers