‘DWTS’ star Gleb Savchenko fights for custody after daughters’ Hong Kong move

Gleb Savchenko's daughters will relocate to Hong Kong with ex-wife Elena Samodanova under custody deal

Dancing With the Stars professional dancer Gleb Savchenko has filed a request for an emergency child custody order, claiming his ex-wife Elena Samodanova has kept their daughters in Hong Kong longer than originally agreed.

According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Savchenko and Samodanova share two daughters, Olivia and Zlata. Following their divorce, Samodanova moved with the children to Hong Kong, which Savchenko claims was intended to be a temporary relocation.

Savchenko alleges that the couple had agreed in 2023 that the move would last for one year while Samodanova worked on a project in the region. He claims the children were expected to return to the United States by June 30, 2024, but alleges that Samodanova refused to bring them back.

In court documents, Savchenko claims his ex-wife has since established a permanent life in Hong Kong, including obtaining residency, enrolling the children in a private school, becoming engaged and having another child with her fiancé. He alleges these actions were taken without his approval and have affected his relationship with his daughters.

The dancer is requesting temporary sole legal and physical custody of his 15-year-old daughter Olivia. He claims Olivia currently wants to remain in Los Angeles and does not wish to return to Hong Kong. Savchenko also alleges that his daughter experienced hurtful comments from her mother, though those claims have not been proven in court.

Savchenko further claims Samodanova took their children on international trips, including visits to Russia and Vietnam, despite his objections.

The former couple has been ordered to attend mediation on August 5, with a formal custody hearing expected to take place later. Samodanova has not publicly responded to the allegations.