Gleb Savchenko’s ex-wife, Elena Samodanova, has filed a response to his recent petition for emergency custody of their daughters, Olivia and Zlata. The situation has escalated amid allegations and counterclaims regarding the children’s living arrangements and financial responsibilities following the couple’s divorce.
Court documents, accessed by PEOPLE, reveal that Savchenko, a professional dancer known for his time on *Dancing with the Stars*, accused Samodanova of unlawfully retaining their daughters in Hong Kong. He is seeking temporary sole custody of 15-year-old Olivia, stating that she has expressed a desire to remain in his care and attend school in Los Angeles County.
In her response, Samodanova refuted Savchenko’s assertions. She emphasised that both parties had agreed to the relocation of their daughters to Hong Kong following their divorce in 2021. The 43-year-old also indicated that Savchenko had neglected to pay child support for the past ten months, prompting her to seek support through official channels.
Savchenko’s filing comes on the back of concerns that his ex-wife had established a more permanent life in Hong Kong, contrary to their original agreement. He claimed that Samodanova not only enrolled their children in an expensive private school but also gained permanent residency and even started a family with her fiancé, all while allegedly keeping him unaware of these developments.
In a declaration, Savchenko stated that the arrangement effectively forced him to travel to Hong Kong annually to maintain a relationship with his daughters, despite Samodanova’s alleged attempts to limit his access. He expressed worry that reuniting Olivia with her mother could lead to a harmful environment, referencing what he termed “abusive comments” directed at Olivia by Samodanova.
Furthermore, Savchenko’s filing highlighted Olivia’s sentiments about returning to Hong Kong, suggesting that her wellbeing would be better served by staying with him in California. He suggested that Samodanova’s actions amounted to a risk of international wrongful retention or abduction.
Responding via a statement to TMZ, Samodanova rejected the claims put forth by Savchenko. She maintained that their life in Hong Kong is stable and beneficial for the children. According to her, Olivia thrives in the area, attending a prestigious school and excelling in ballroom dance, which she feels is jeopardised by Savchenko’s current pursuits.
Samodanova pointed out that she has played the primary caregiver role for Olivia, recounting how she has taken care of her daily while Savchenko focused on his work commitments. She insisted that Hong Kong should be recognised as Olivia’s permanent home, arguing that Savchenko himself possesses permanent residency status there.
In her assertion, Samodanova accused Savchenko of unlawfully attempting to retain their daughter by cancelling her flight back to Hong Kong without her consent. She described his recent legal moves as hasty and not adhering to established legal protocols.
As the case unfolds, both parents are required to attend an upcoming custody mediation session slated for August 5. This development highlights the ongoing complexities in their custody arrangement, as both sides grapple with the challenges of co-parenting across international borders.
The case raises significant questions about the rights and responsibilities of each parent in custody disputes, particularly involving international relocation and residency. With the future of Olivia and Zlata hanging in the balance, it remains to be seen how the courts will respond to the allegations and evidence presented by both parties.