Kellie Chauvin, Derek Chauvin’s ex-wife, is still in the spotlight in 2025. Many people are curious about her background, personal choices, and what happened after the George Floyd case shook the world.
A former Hmong-American beauty queen, a radiologist in Minnesota, and a woman who once carried the last name of America’s most infamous ex-cop — Kellie’s story is layered. And it’s far from over.
🔹 Before the Headlines: Kellie Chauvin’s Early Life and Career
Kellie May Xiong Chauvin was born in Laos in 1974 and fled to a refugee camp in Thailand during her childhood before immigrating to the United States. Like many Hmong-American women, her early years were shaped by struggle and survival.
She eventually settled in Minnesota and worked in the medical field, becoming a radiologist. She later gained attention in 2018 by winning the Mrs. Minnesota America pageant — making her the first Hmong woman to hold the crown. This was before anyone knew her as Derek Chauvin’s wife.
💡 Quick facts about Kellie’s early life:
- Born: 1974 in Laos
- Immigrated: Lived in Thailand refugee camps
- Career: Radiologist in Minnesota
- Pageant: Won Mrs. Minnesota America 2018
🔹 Did Derek Chauvin and Kellie Have Kids?
One of the most searched questions online: Did Kellie and Derek have children?
👉 No, the couple did not have any biological children together.
However, Kellie had two children from a previous relationship, whom she raised before marrying Chauvin in 2010. While Derek Chauvin did not have kids with her, he was seen with Kellie’s family and referred to as part of the Chauvin family by some in public.
🔹 The Turning Point: George Floyd’s Death and the Trial That Changed Everything
Everything changed on May 25, 2020, when George Floyd was murdered during an arrest in Minneapolis. Derek Chauvin was caught on camera kneeling on Floyd’s neck, and the video went viral.
The public backlash was intense. And while Derek faced murder charges, Kellie Chauvin’s name also surfaced. People wanted to know everything about the woman married to the man at the center of it all.
🗞️ The media spotlight turned on her — despite her being uninvolved in the actual incident.
🔹 The Divorce: Filed Just Days After Derek’s Arrest
On May 29, 2020, just four days after Derek Chauvin’s arrest, Kellie filed for divorce.
She said in a public statement that her “utmost sympathy lies with George Floyd’s family” and that she wanted to dissolve her marriage for her “children’s and her own safety.”
📄 Legal records show she cited “irreconcilable differences.” The divorce filing sparked mixed public reactions — some called it brave, others thought it was strategic.
🔹 Divorce Finalized: Legal Steps, Fallout, and Moving On
The divorce was finalized in February 2021. The court process wasn’t easy. There were property disputes and scrutiny over financial records.
In 2020, both Kellie and Derek were charged with tax fraud by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Authorities alleged they underreported income between 2014 and 2019 — including side security jobs and money from beauty services.
👨⚖️ Kellie pleaded guilty in 2023 and was sentenced to community service, probation, and fines. There was no jail sentence, but her name was added to legal records.
🔹 Did Kellie Chauvin Face Legal Trouble Too?
Yes. While she wasn’t charged in the George Floyd case, she did face felony charges for tax fraud.
Here’s a summary:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Charged with 9 felony counts for tax fraud |
| 2021 | Divorce finalized |
| 2023 | Sentenced for tax crimes (no prison time) |
Despite this, she was not linked to any police misconduct. She remained legally separate from Derek’s criminal case.
🔹 Where Is Kellie Chauvin Now in 2025?
As of 2025, Kellie Chauvin lives privately, away from the media.
She reportedly moved away from Minnesota, possibly using a new identity. There are no official records confirming her exact location, and she has stayed off social media since 2021.
🔍 Online searches like “Where is Kellie Chauvin now?” still spike — but no clear answers are available.
She’s done everything she can to stay out of the spotlight.
🔹 Public Reactions: Support, Criticism, and the Ongoing Spotlight
Kellie Chauvin’s public image remains mixed:
- ✅ Some see her as a strong woman who left a toxic relationship.
- ❌ Others think she acted too late or benefitted from media attention.
- 🔇 Many simply want to know why she never spoke again.
Despite being out of view, bloggers, tabloids, and TikTokers still bring her name up. Her choice to remain silent adds to the mystery.
🔹 Was Kellie Chauvin Supportive of Derek During His Trial?
Kellie made no courtroom appearances during Derek’s murder trial. She issued one statement through her attorney — distancing herself from her husband’s actions.
There were no signs of support shown publicly. In fact, her divorce filing just days after the arrest suggests she disapproved of what happened.
📢 Her official statement read:
“Her utmost sympathy lies with the family of George Floyd.”
This statement was seen by many as sympathetic and human.
🔹 Private vs Public: Kellie’s Attempt to Live a Quiet Life
In 2025, Kellie is living completely under the radar:
- No Instagram or Facebook presence
- No interviews or podcasts
- No statements since 2020
- Possibly moved to another state under a different name
Her goal appears simple: protect her children, protect her peace, and move on.
This has made her one of the most mysterious figures linked to the George Floyd case.
🔹 Visual Timeline: Key Events in Kellie Chauvin’s Story
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1974 | Born in Laos |
| 1980s | Lived in refugee camps in Thailand |
| 2010 | Married Derek Chauvin |
| 2018 | Won Mrs. Minnesota America |
| May 25, 2020 | George Floyd’s death |
| May 29, 2020 | Filed for divorce |
| July 2020 | Tax fraud charges filed |
| February 2021 | Divorce finalized |
| 2023 | Sentenced for tax fraud |
| 2025 | Living quietly, out of the public eye |
🔹 FAQs About Kellie Chauvin in 2025
Q: Is Kellie Chauvin in jail?
👉 No, she was sentenced to community service and probation.
Q: Did Kellie Chauvin support Derek during the trial?
👉 No, she distanced herself early and filed for divorce days after his arrest.
Q: Does she have kids?
👉 Yes, but not with Derek. She has children from a previous relationship.
Q: Where is she now?
👉 Unknown. She likely moved and changed her identity.
Q: Was she part of the George Floyd case?
👉 No, she was not involved and never faced charges related to it.
🔹 Final Thoughts: The Untold Story Still Unfolds
Kellie Chauvin’s story is one of complexity, loss, and quiet resilience. She may be remembered as Derek Chauvin’s wife, but her full identity goes far beyond that title.
From refugee to radiologist, from beauty queen to media mystery, she’s a woman who made a hard choice — to disappear and rebuild.
In 2025, the world may still search her name. But Kellie? She’s chosen silence over spectacle.
Hello, I’m qeqfm, a contributing editor at Opals Magazine. I navigate the intersection of Finance and Technology, delivering insightful analysis and forward-thinking perspectives. Join me on OpalsMAgazine.com for expert coverage of financial innovations, investment strategies, and emerging technologies reshaping our economic landscape.
