Gleb Savchenko Accuses Ex-Wife of Forcing Daughter to Take Weight Loss Pills

Gleb Savchenko is accusing his ex-wife, Elena Samodanova, of forcing their 15-year-old daughter to take weight loss pills, Page Six has confirmed. The "Dancing With the Stars" alum alleged in court documents that his former spouse did not obtain appropriate medical oversight or consult him before giving their daughter, Olivia, the medication.

Savchenko, 43, also claimed Samodanova has made disparaging remarks about their child’s body, weight, and appearance. He further alleged in the filing that Samodanova removed Olivia’s bedroom door as a punishment and subjected her to long periods of silent treatment.

Savchenko, who also shares daughter Zlata, 9, with Samodanova, did not seek a change in the girls’ residency in Hong Kong with their mother. Instead, he requested that his custodial time with them not be shortened or interfered with without written agreement, mirroring the terms for his regular, direct, private, and unmonitored telephone and video communication three times a week. Savchenko also asked the judge to prohibit Olivia and Zlata from being subjected to conduct harmful to their emotional or physical health.

In a counterclaim, Samadanova asserted that her ex was in contempt of court for enrolling Olivia in a California high school without her permission. A judge ultimately ruled that Samodanova has the final say on school enrollment and medical decisions when disagreements arise, and the children will remain with her in Hong Kong. Savchenko's custodial time during winter, summer, and spring breaks was confirmed, along with an additional week of visitation if he travels to China. Both parents were also ordered to refrain from speaking negatively about each other to the children.

The former couple, who wed in July 2006, finalized their divorce in October 2021 after separating in December 2020. They initially had a joint custody agreement. The custody disputes resurfaced in 2022 when Samodanova sought full custody, claiming Savchenko was unavailable for parenting. In July of the previous year, Savchenko claimed Samodanova had "abducted" their children and relocated them to China, filing for an emergency custody order in Los Angeles. He alleged Olivia had endured "years of maltreatment" from her mother and feared Samodanova’s alleged "temper and anger issues."

Samodanova countered by stating her eldest child was "thriving" in China and that Savchenko had retained Olivia in California beyond their agreed-upon return date. Since his divorce, Savchenko has dated model Elana Belle and actress Brooks Nader. He is not participating in the current season of "DWTS."