Why Is Gleb Savchenko Fighting Elena Samodanova For Their Daughter's Custody? Family Drama Explained
'DWTS' fame Gleb Savchenko recently slammed his ex-wife's claims that authorities are trying to track him with their teenage daughter.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleGleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova, who once ruled the dancing world together, are now involved in a messy international custody battle. The ex-couple are now fighting over where their daughter must live and who should have her primary custody. The situation turned more complex in the past few days after Elena accused Gleb of keeping their teenage daughter, Olivia, in California. She has claimed that he stopped her from returning to Hong Kong, where their daughter lived with her. Meanwhile, the authorities from both countries are involved in the conflict.
How did the custody dispute begin between Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova?
The custody battle goes back to 2023 when Gleb Savchenko agreed that his daughters, Olivia and Zlata, would live in Hong Kong with his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova. Initially, the trio had made the move for a limited time. In fact, Gleb claims that the whole arrangement was supposed to last for a year before they returned to the U.S.
However, the Dancing With the Stars pro claims that Elena never bought back their daughters. He mentioned in the court documents that rather than fulfilling her commitment, Elena established a permanent life in Hong Kong. She even enrolled their daughters in a school and settled in the country. Gleb argued that this move violated their original agreement. Therefore, he had to seek legal intervention.
Meanwhile, Elena has a different viewpoint. She has claimed that the children have built a stable life in Hong Kong. In fact, she is their primary caregiver. At the same time, their girls are doing well in academics and otherwise in Hong Kong, which has now become their home.
Gleb and Elena's differing views on where their children must live have become the main issue in their custody battle. The former wants his children to come back to the United States. But Elena feels they should stay in Hong Kong, where they have spent the past few years.
The custody conflict increased in 2026 when the duo's 16-year-old daughter, Olivia, came to Los Angeles to spend some time with her father. However, she did not go back as planned. Elena claimed that Olivia was scheduled to return in July 2026, but Olivia never boarded her pre-booked flight.
Some of Elena's filings revealed that she has had difficulty maintaining direct contact with her daughter. In fact, she has no clue about her present address. The choreographer also alleged that Gleb had canceled Olivia's return plans to keep her in California. Eventually, Elena claims that she had no option but to resort to legal channels.
Amid her claims, Gleb has denied all the allegations. He says that Elena's accusations are false and that he is not hiding from her. He mentioned that Elena is aware of his whereabouts. At the same time, Gleb stated that their daughter is staying with him as per her will.
According to Gleb, Olivia has independently decided to limit communication with her mother. He also claimed that the teenager changed her phone number herself and chose not to share the new contact information.
Gleb Savchenko has filed for emergency sole custody of his and Elena's daughter, Olivia
While Gleb and Elena continue to make contrasting claims about their custody arrangements, he has filed for her sole custody of Olivia. The case's recent hearings are focused on deciding which country or court eill handle it the custody. Also, until then, where the 16-year-old will stay.
Meanwhile, Gleb claims that their daughter, Olivia, wants to stay with him. Therefore, she should not be forced to leave the United States while the hearings go on. However, Elena has argued that Hong Kong must oversee the matter because the kids have been living there for years.
For now, both Gleb and Elena are firm in their stance, and neitherneither of them is willing to let go. Mea namaste, the conflict has gone beyond Olivia because Gleb is seeking legal options for his young daughter, Zlata, too. On the other hand, a judge has reportedly ordered the former spouses to join custody mediation to resolve the increasing conflict. But their conflicting claims about Olivia's wishes suggest the case is far from over.
What do you think about Gleb Savchenko and Elena Samodanova's custody battle?
Pic credits: Gleb Savchenko/ Instagram, Elena Samodanova/ Instagram
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