Gleb Savchenko’s Custody Dispute Widens to Include Girlfriend’s Home

Samodanova, who resides in Hong Kong, claims she only learned of the 15-year-old’s living situation after a court compelled Savchenko to disclose her whereabouts. She expressed alarm that the residence is owned by the dancer's girlfriend, who works in the adult-entertainment industry. While Samodanova insists she does not judge the profession, she questions Savchenko’s parental judgment regarding a stable environment for their daughter. Savchenko maintains that Olivia is safe and supported, emphasizing that at nearly 16 years old, she has expressed her own preferences regarding where she chooses to live.

The conflict has moved beyond standard family court proceedings. A Los Angeles judge recently stayed the local custody case after Samodanova filed an application under the Hague Convention, alleging the teenager was wrongfully retained in the United States. This international legal process will focus on the question of jurisdiction and the child's return to Hong Kong, rather than a final determination of custody. Savchenko, who previously filed an emergency request for sole custody, argues that the move to Hong Kong was intended to be temporary. As the legal maneuvers continue, the former couple—who finalized their divorce in 2021—remains deadlocked over the future of their two daughters.