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DWTS Star Claims Ex Abducted Daughters to China
15 Jul
Summary
- Ex-wife allegedly established permanent life in China with daughters.
- Father seeks sole custody, alleging international wrongful retention.
- Court orders mediation and sets a hearing date soon.
Gleb Savchenko, a 'Dancing With the Stars' pro, has initiated an emergency child custody order against his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova. He alleges she abducted their daughters, Zlata, 8, and Olivia, 15, by establishing a permanent life in Hong Kong. Savchenko claims Samodanova legally agreed to return to the U.S. by June 30, 2024, but instead secured permanent residency in Hong Kong, enrolled the children in school, and became engaged.
Savchenko is seeking temporary sole legal and physical custody of Olivia, who is currently with him in Los Angeles. He asserts that Olivia does not wish to return to Hong Kong due to her mother's alleged comments and that her return would constitute international wrongful retention. Samodanova disputes the abduction claims, stating Hong Kong is their permanent residence and that Savchenko canceled Olivia's flight. She accuses him of wrongful international retention and seeks to halt temporary orders.
The former couple has been ordered by the court to attend mediation over child custody on August 5. A formal court hearing is scheduled to occur in approximately two weeks. Savchenko's attorney stated the goal is for the children to reside in California with their father, while Samodanova's team insists Hong Kong is Olivia's legal and permanent home.
