Custody Battle Intensifies Over Teen's Living Arrangement

A custody battle between former spouses has taken a new turn after Elena Samodanova discovered that her 15-year-old daughter Olivia is living in a Los Angeles residence owned by her ex-husband Gleb Savchenko's girlfriend, Kaitlin Trujillo, who works in the adult entertainment industry.

Samodanova, 43, who currently resides in Hong Kong, expressed serious concerns about the living arrangement after court-ordered disclosures revealed the property ownership details.

"My greatest concern remains Olivia's safety and current living environment. Gleb disclosed Olivia's location only after the Court ordered him to provide her address and contact information. The address he provided confirmed that our teenage daughter is living in a property owned by his girlfriend, rather than in a permanent home maintained by him," Samodanova told Us Weekly on Thursday, August 20. The publication verified that the address provided in court documents matches a residence linked to Trujillo.

Samodanova clarified that her objections center on parental judgment rather than personal criticism of Trujillo's profession. "I subsequently learned that the homeowner works in the adult-entertainment industry. I do not judge her profession. My concern is Gleb's judgment as a father and whether this is an appropriate and stable environment for our teenage daughter," she told Us Weekly.

The mother emphasized her determination to pursue legal remedies, stating that Olivia's "safety, stability and future come first," and pledging to "continue through every legal channel available to bring my daughter safely home."

Savchenko, 42, defended the living arrangement and emphasized his daughter's preferences. "My daughter's safety, stability and well-being are my absolute priority. Olivia is safe, supported and surrounded by people who love and care for her. Most importantly, she is nearly 16 years old and has expressed her own wishes regarding where she wants to live," he told Us Weekly. Olivia will turn 16 in November.

The Dancing With the Stars professional expressed frustration with the public nature of the dispute. "I am disappointed to see unrelated personal matters and third parties brought into a deeply private situation involving our daughter. I will not respond by attacking Olivia's mother or anyone else publicly," he told Us Weekly. "My focus remains on supporting Olivia, protecting her well-being, and ensuring that her own voice and wishes are heard through the appropriate legal process."

Savchenko was first linked to Trujillo, 28, in January following his separation from reality star Brooks Nader. The couple was photographed kissing in public shortly after that breakup.

The legal proceedings have become increasingly complex. Earlier this week, a judge decided to stay the Los Angeles case, declining to immediately return Olivia to Hong Kong, where she had lived with her mother and siblings for three years. The judge indicated that a Hague application filed by Samodanova over child abduction claims would need to proceed in Hong Kong before any orders could be issued in Los Angeles court.

Savchenko initiated the current legal battle in July by filing for sole custody of Olivia and requesting permission to enroll her in a Los Angeles high school. Samodanova countered by seeking primary custody, alleging that her ex-husband unexpectedly canceled Olivia's return flight to Hong Kong without advance notice.

Following the court hearing, Samodanova framed the dispute in international legal terms. "This is no longer simply a custody dispute," she told Us Weekly. "My daughter's wrongful retention is now the subject of active Hague Convention proceedings, and the Los Angeles custody case has been stayed while that process moves forward."

The former couple shares another daughter, Zlata, 8. Samodanova also has a child with her partner, Vlad Kvartin, whom they welcomed in December 2025. Samodanova and Savchenko were married for 14 years before separating in November 2020, finalizing their divorce in October 2021.