When George Floyd’s tragic death sparked a global movement, the world turned its eyes on former police officer Derek Chauvin.
But another name quietly entered the spotlight: his wife, Kellie Chauvin. Who is she? Why did she file for divorce so quickly? And where is she now?
This blog uncovers the full story of Derek Chauvin’s wife, tracing her journey through headlines, heartbreak, and life after one of the most explosive cases in modern history.
Derek Chauvin Wife and Kids: What You Need to Know
Derek Chauvin was married to Kellie May Chauvin, a former radiologist and beauty pageant winner. They tied the knot in 2010 and remained married for over a decade. However, following his arrest in 2020 after the death of George Floyd, Kellie filed for divorce just days later. The divorce was finalized in early 2021.
Did Derek Chauvin Have Kids?
No, Derek Chauvin and Kellie Chauvin did not have any children together.
However, Kellie had two children from a previous marriage before she met Derek. Those children were adults at the time of her marriage to Chauvin. Derek did not adopt them, and there are no public records or reports suggesting he had any biological children of his own.
Who Is Kellie Chauvin?
Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, formerly married to Derek Chauvin, is a Hmong-American woman who once symbolized strength and grace in her community.
Born in Laos in 1974, Kellie fled with her family to Thailand during wartime and eventually settled in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, as a refugee. She later became a radiologist in Minnesota and made history in 2018 by winning the title of Mrs. Minnesota America — the first Hmong woman to do so.
📌 Fun Fact: She met Derek while working at a hospital where he brought in suspects for health evaluations. They married in 2010.
Derek Chauvin’s Wife Filed for Divorce Just Days After His Arrest
On May 29, 2020, Kellie Chauvin filed for divorce — only four days after her husband was arrested for George Floyd’s death. Her statement expressed “sympathy for Floyd’s family” and cited an “irretrievable breakdown” in the marriage.
💬 “Her utmost sympathy lies with [George Floyd’s] family, with his loved ones, and with everyone who is grieving this tragedy,” her attorney told the media.
— Source: ABC News
🧾 Divorce Finalized Amid Legal Scrutiny
The divorce was finalized in February 2021. Prosecutors initially raised red flags, suspecting the split could be a financial move to protect assets. However, no legal action was taken regarding that claim, and the court approved the separation.
Did Derek Chauvin’s Wife Get Into Legal Trouble Too?
Yes. In July 2020, both Derek and Kellie Chauvin were charged with felony tax fraud. They had failed to file proper returns for several years and concealed nearly $464,000 in income, including Derek’s earnings from side security jobs.
In 2023, Kellie pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 20 days in jail with community service and probation. According to court records, she cooperated fully during the investigation.
📄 Documented Sources:
- Minnesota Department of Revenue Charges (PDF)
- NBC News Coverage
Where Is Kellie Chauvin Now?
Following the legal proceedings and public backlash, Kellie Chauvin disappeared from public life. Reports suggest she has changed her name, moved out of Minnesota, and cut off public communication for her safety and privacy.
She hasn’t posted on social media since 2020, and no interviews or verified sightings have surfaced since. It’s believed she’s quietly rebuilding her life, far from the shadows of her ex-husband’s legacy.
Was Kellie Chauvin Supportive of Derek During His Trial?
No. From the beginning, Kellie Chauvin distanced herself from Derek. Her quick divorce filing and public statements of support for the Floyd family clearly indicated that she did not defend or align with her husband’s actions.
Unlike many high-profile criminal cases where spouses stand by the accused, Kellie chose independence — both morally and legally.
Visual Guide: Timeline of Events
🔍 Here’s a suggested infographic/timeline you can include:
| Date | Event |
| 2010 | Kellie marries Derek Chauvin |
| 2018 | Wins Mrs. Minnesota America |
| May 25, 2020 | George Floyd killed |
| May 29, 2020 | Kellie files for divorce |
| July 2020 | Both charged with tax fraud |
| Feb 2021 | Divorce finalized |
| 2023 | Kellie sentenced for tax evasion |
| Present | Believed to be living under a new identity |
🖼️ Image Alt Text for SEO: “Derek Chauvin and wife Kellie Chauvin at beauty pageant” or “Kellie Chauvin timeline events”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to Derek Chauvin’s wife?
A: She filed for divorce in 2020, faced tax charges, and now lives privately under a new identity.
Q: Did Kellie Chauvin support Derek during his trial?
A: No, she publicly sympathized with George Floyd’s family and separated from Derek immediately.
Derek Chauvin Wife: What Happened to Kellie Chauvin After the Trial?
When Derek Chauvin’s name made headlines around the world, attention naturally turned to the people closest to him — especially his wife. Who is she? What happened to her during the media firestorm? And where is she now?
This article explores the full story of Derek Chauvin’s wife, Kellie Chauvin — from her background to her decision to walk away and live life on her own terms.
Who Is Derek Chauvin’s Wife?
Derek Chauvin was married to Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, a woman with a remarkable story of her own. Born in Laos, Kellie moved to the United States as a child and built a new life with her family. She eventually worked as a radiologist and made her mark in the community through professional and charitable efforts.
Known for her confidence and poise, Kellie gained attention in her own right by winning a statewide beauty pageant. Her grace and resilience made her a respected figure — long before her name was tied to her husband’s.
She met Derek Chauvin at a medical center where he had brought in a suspect for evaluation. Their paths crossed, they began dating, and the two were married in 2010.
The Divorce: A Swift and Serious Move
Just days after George Floyd’s death, Kellie Chauvin filed for divorce. Her decision was quick and spoke volumes. Many saw it as a clear break — a way of separating herself from the devastating events that were unfolding.
The reason cited was an “irretrievable breakdown” in their marriage. It was a move that caught attention across the nation, as the wife of a man at the center of a historic trial chose not to stand by him.
Their divorce was finalized less than a year later, bringing an official end to their marriage during one of the most intense media cycles in American history.
Legal Trouble of Her Own
Even as she tried to move on from the marriage, Kellie faced legal trouble of her own. She and Derek were charged with financial crimes related to their personal taxes. The situation added another layer of stress and complexity to her life — already shaken by the public spotlight and a very public divorce.
Eventually, Kellie accepted responsibility and faced sentencing. It was a moment that showed the challenges she faced — not just as a former spouse, but as an individual navigating serious consequences of her own.
Where Is Kellie Chauvin Now?
Since her divorce and legal issues, Kellie Chauvin has remained out of the public eye. She has made no public appearances, interviews, or statements. It’s widely believed that she changed her name and location in an effort to move forward without the shadow of her past.
People close to her situation suggest that she chose to rebuild quietly, away from attention, judgment, and controversy. Her story — while once tied to a man at the center of a global movement — has become one of self-protection and private recovery.
Did She Support Derek Chauvin During the Trial?
The answer is no. Kellie’s actions spoke loudly. By filing for divorce so quickly and publicly distancing herself, she made it clear that she did not support her husband during or after the trial.
This was not a case of silent loyalty. It was a deliberate decision to separate from everything he represented. Her public image, at that time, reflected sympathy for the victim’s family rather than defense of her spouse.
Public Reactions to Kellie’s Decision
Kellie’s choice to divorce Derek drew a mix of public reactions. Some praised her for her courage and independence. Others viewed it as a legal or strategic move. But regardless of the interpretation, it was clear that she took a stand — one that defined her in a different light than her husband.
As the dust settled from the trial, people stopped asking just about Derek Chauvin’s actions and began asking about Kellie’s fate. Her story became a powerful example of how personal lives are shattered by public scandals — and how difficult it is to put the pieces back together.
Final Thoughts
The story of Derek Chauvin’s wife is more than a footnote. It’s a story of a woman caught in the middle of one of the most controversial chapters in recent history. While Derek Chauvin’s actions sparked outrage, protests, and change, Kellie Chauvin chose silence, separation, and survival.
She walked away from the spotlight — and from a man whose actions shook the world. Today, she remains a symbol of quiet resilience, a person who made a painful but powerful decision to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Derek Chauvin’s wife?
A: Derek Chauvin’s former wife is Kellie Chauvin, a radiologist and former beauty queen.
Q: When did Kellie Chauvin file for divorce?
A: She filed for divorce just a few days after George Floyd’s death in 2020.
Q: Did she support Derek Chauvin during his trial?
A: No. She publicly distanced herself from him and did not offer any support during his legal proceedings.
Q: Where is she now?
A: Kellie Chauvin has remained out of public view and is believed to be living under a different name.
As the visionary behind NamesOrigins.com, Dariel Campbell combines his expertise in language with a creative approach to content. His unique perspective on names and their meanings offers readers a fresh and engaging way to connect with the stories behind the names we cherish.
