Gleb Savchenko's Custody War Heats Up with Concrete Evidence

Gleb Savchenko, a professional dancer known for his role on “Dancing With the Stars,” is embroiled in a high-stakes custody battle with his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova. The dispute centers around their two minor daughters, Olivia and Zlata, as both parents accuse each other of attempting to abduct the children. This legal conflict has escalated into an emergency custody case, with Savchenko claiming he has solid evidence to support his claims.

The couple, who were married for 14 years, initially tried to maintain a co-parenting relationship after their separation. Savchenko expressed a desire to work together amicably, especially in raising their children. However, the situation has taken a turn as both parties have made serious allegations against one another.

Savchenko has reportedly provided screenshots that he claims prove his ex-wife traveled to Moscow with their youngest daughter, Zlata, without his consent. According to the legal documents, there is a WhatsApp conversation between Samodanova and his law firm where she allegedly confirms the trip. In the messages, Samodanova is said to have mentioned the journey was for a family funeral, but Savchenko asserts that Zlata was with her on the trip without his knowledge.

Additionally, the documents include a screenshot showing Samodanova’s phone location pinging in Moscow. TMZ reported that Savchenko stated he never agreed to the trip and would not have if he had been informed beforehand. This evidence forms part of his emergency custody request, which seeks to grant him temporary sole legal and physical custody of his daughters.

In addition to the emergency custody request, Savchenko has also filed a Hague Convention Petition, an international legal measure aimed at securing the return of Zlata. He claims that Samodanova has kept their daughters in Hong Kong since 2023 and is asking a Californian judge to grant him “temporary sole legal and sole physical custody” of Olivia. He argues that moving Olivia back to Hong Kong would be detrimental to her future, education, and athletic development.

Savchenko has taken a strong stance in this legal battle, requesting that his ex-wife have no visitation rights pending further court rulings. The couple is scheduled to attend mediation on August 5, followed by a formal court hearing a few weeks later.

Samodanova has not remained silent in response to her ex-husband’s accusations. She has shared her perspective, emphasizing that she has always been the primary caregiver for their children. According to her, while Savchenko focused on his career, she managed the household and raised Olivia and Zlata. She highlighted that Olivia attends a top school in Hong Kong and is an elite ballroom dancer, stressing that moving her away from her current environment would negatively impact her life.

Samodanova also claimed that California does not have jurisdiction over their daughter’s fate, noting that Hong Kong is Olivia’s permanent home and legal residency. She pointed out that Savchenko himself holds a Permanent Resident card in Hong Kong. In response to his abduction claims, she argued that he was the one who wrongfully retained Olivia by canceling her return ticket without her consent.

Back in 2021, during the early stages of their divorce, Savchenko spoke openly about their co-parenting arrangement. He described their relationship as friendly and cooperative, stating that they were working together to ensure the well-being of their children. Reports indicated that the couple had agreed on a 50/50 custody split, with each parent having the girls for five days at a time.

Savchenko recalled a conversation he had with his oldest daughter, where he reassured her that living in two different places would be a fun experience. He described creating a welcoming environment for the girls when they were with him, emphasizing that the arrangement was meant to be enjoyable for the children.

Five years ago, Savchenko discussed the challenges and rewards of being a single dad. He noted that the divorce allowed him to become more involved in his daughters’ lives, taking on responsibilities such as helping with their hair and making breakfast. He emphasized that the 50/50 custody arrangement gave him the opportunity to be fully present for his daughters.

Savchenko reflected on how being a father had changed his perspective, highlighting the bond he shares with his children. He described the experience of being a dad as one of the best parts of his life, especially when it came to raising his daughters.

Share :