When the name Derek Chauvin made international headlines in 2020, the world focused sharply on one man — a former Minneapolis police officer whose actions during an arrest sparked one of the largest social justice movements in recent memory. But there was someone else quietly pushed into the spotlight: Derek Chauvin wife.
Most people don’t know much about her, and understandably so. She didn’t seek the spotlight. But as public interest grew around the case, questions naturally arose: Who is she? What was their relationship like? And how did she respond as her husband’s trial unfolded?
In this blog, we’ll explore the human story behind the name — not the headlines or viral clips, but a personal look at the life of the woman once married to Derek Chauvin.
Who Is Derek Chauvin’s Wife?
Kellie Chauvin, formerly known as Kellie Xiong, is a Laotian-American who came to the United States as a refugee. Born in 1974, she fled the war-torn country of Laos with her family at the age of three and eventually settled in Wisconsin. Life wasn’t easy for Kellie growing up — as a Hmong child in a foreign country, she faced racism, poverty, and the kind of emotional hardship that shapes resilience.
Before she met Derek, Kellie had already built a life for herself. She was a radiologic technologist at Hennepin County Medical Center and also worked part-time in real estate. In 2018, she even won the title of “Mrs. Minnesota America”, becoming the first Hmong woman to win the state pageant. In interviews at the time, she spoke of wanting to break stereotypes and serve as a role model for Hmong girls growing up in America.
She was, by all accounts, someone who carried herself with grace, ambition, and a deep sense of community.
How Did Kellie and Derek Chauvin Meet?
Kellie and Derek Chauvin met in an unlikely place: the emergency room. She was working at the hospital when he brought in a suspect for a health check before jail processing. According to her account in local media interviews, he was quiet and reserved — a contrast to what she typically experienced with officers. He returned later to ask her out, and they began dating.
The couple married in 2010 and lived in Oakdale, a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. On the surface, their relationship seemed like any other middle-class suburban couple. But in hindsight, much of their life together remained private — no red carpet appearances, no social media glamor — just two people living a relatively quiet life.
The Fallout of George Floyd’s Death
Everything changed on May 25, 2020.
The world watched in horror as video footage circulated showing Derek Chauvin kneeling on George Floyd’s neck for over nine minutes. The backlash was immediate, global, and intense. Protests erupted not just across the U.S., but around the world. As the legal proceedings began, the public spotlight naturally extended to everyone close to him — including his wife.
Just days after his arrest, Kellie Chauvin filed for divorce.
In her legal filing, she expressed deep sympathy for the Floyd family and stated that she was devastated by George Floyd’s death. Her attorneys released a statement on her behalf, saying:
“She is devastated by Mr. Floyd’s death and her utmost sympathy lies with his family, his loved ones, and with everyone who is grieving.”
The timing of the divorce filing made headlines, and some people speculated whether it was a strategic financial move. Others believed it was a sincere reaction from a woman grappling with the horrifying truth about her husband.
Either way, it became clear she no longer wanted to be connected to the man who had become the face of police brutality in America.
The Divorce and Legal Battles
Kellie filed for divorce on May 29, 2020, just four days after the incident. In her petition, she requested a name change and full ownership of their marital property. The legal proceedings weren’t without challenges. Initially, the divorce settlement was rejected by a judge who suspected potential financial fraud — possibly an attempt to shield assets from future civil litigation.
Eventually, the court approved the divorce in February 2021. By then, Derek Chauvin was already facing murder charges and would later be convicted of second-degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter.
Kellie’s request to revert to her maiden name was granted, and she effectively stepped out of the public eye.
Life After the Trial
Since the trial, Kellie Chauvin has remained largely private. There have been no public interviews, no social media presence, and very few updates. And that’s probably by design.
The public tends to look at those connected to notorious figures through a skeptical lens. But Kellie had already begun to chart a new path — long before the trial ended. She showed strength by walking away, reclaiming her identity, and choosing to live quietly rather than capitalize on her brief and unwanted fame.
In many ways, her decision to file for divorce was a public act of disavowal. It was her way of saying: I’m not standing by this. This is not who I am.
A Complex Legacy
It’s easy to flatten people into characters in a story — heroes, villains, sidekicks. But real life is rarely that simple.
Kellie Chauvin isn’t defined by her ex-husband’s actions. She’s a refugee who overcame adversity, a mother, a professional, and a woman who made what many would consider a courageous decision in the face of overwhelming public scrutiny.
Her story reminds us that behind every headline is a human being — often quietly enduring, often invisible to the noise. And while the public will remember the name Derek Chauvin for all the wrong reasons, it’s worth noting that the woman once beside him made her own choice — and walked away.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Derek Chauvin’s ex-wife?
Derek Chauvin’s ex-wife is Kellie Chauvin, a Laotian-American former radiologic technologist and former Mrs. Minnesota.
Did Kellie Chauvin support her husband during the trial?
No. She filed for divorce just days after George Floyd’s death and expressed sympathy for Floyd’s family.
Why did Kellie Chauvin file for divorce?
According to her legal team, she was “devastated” by George Floyd’s death and wanted to dissolve her marriage to Chauvin due to its impact and public fallout.
What is Kellie Chauvin doing now?
As of now, she has maintained a low profile and largely stayed out of the public spotlight since the trial and divorce.
Was the divorce real or just for financial reasons?
Though there was initial scrutiny from a judge, the divorce was ultimately approved. Whether it was strategic or personal is a matter of public debate, but her statements suggest genuine emotional distance from Derek Chauvin.
Final Thoughts
The world will remember Derek Chauvin as the officer at the center of a tragic and transformative moment in American history. But the woman once married to him deserves a separate story — one of strength, quiet dignity, and a refusal to be defined by someone else’s choices.
Kellie Chauvin, in stepping away from a deeply controversial figure, did more than just end a marriage. She reclaimed her voice.
And sometimes, walking away is the most powerful thing you can do.
