When the name Derek Chauvin made global headlines in 2020, the world also became curious about his then-wife, Kellie Chauvin. Known publicly as “Derek Chauvin wife” during one of the most widely covered cases in modern U.S. history, Kellie’s story is far more complex than the media snapshots that followed her husband’s conviction. She is a Hmong American woman whose life journey took her from a refugee camp in Asia to the United States, where she built a career, raised a family, and eventually faced public scrutiny due to her husband’s actions. This article takes a closer look at her early life, achievements, marriage, controversies, and life after her divorce — revealing the human side behind the headlines.
Early Life and Background
Kellie May Xiong, later known as Kellie Chauvin, was born in Laos to a Hmong family that fled the violence following the Vietnam War. Like many Hmong families displaced by the conflict, her parents and siblings sought refuge in a camp in Thailand before immigrating to the United States in the late 1970s. The family settled in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where Kellie grew up facing the challenges of adapting to a new culture, learning English, and balancing traditional Hmong values with the expectations of American society.
Her upbringing was marked by hardship and resilience. She has spoken in interviews about how, as a refugee child, she often felt like an outsider in school. Despite these challenges, she pushed forward with determination. After completing high school, Kellie pursued a career in the medical field, a decision that would shape much of her early adult life and lead to an important chapter in her personal story.
Career and Professional Life
Before the public ever associated her name with Derek Chauvin, Kellie had built a respectable professional reputation. She trained and worked as a radiology technician at the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in Minneapolis. Known among colleagues for her empathy and diligence, Kellie spent years working with patients undergoing scans and X-ray procedures.
Beyond the hospital walls, she was active in her community and became involved in real estate and photography. Her entrepreneurial spirit reflected her desire for independence and creativity. At one point, she even opened her own photography business, focusing on family portraits and events. Many who knew her described her as warm and approachable, someone who balanced professionalism with compassion.
Pageant Journey: Becoming Mrs. Minnesota 2018
In 2018, Kellie Chauvin gained public recognition when she was crowned Mrs. Minnesota in the United States of America’s Mrs. pageant. For her, the pageant was more than a beauty competition — it was an opportunity to share her story as a Hmong immigrant woman and inspire others in her community.
She spoke proudly of her heritage, emphasizing her platform of empowerment for women and minority communities. Her win was celebrated among Minnesota’s Hmong population, where she became a symbol of perseverance and cultural pride. The achievement also highlighted her belief in giving back; during her reign, she volunteered in local charities and worked to raise awareness about domestic abuse and cultural diversity.
This brief but meaningful public exposure gave Kellie Chauvin a new identity — one independent of her profession and personal life. It was an identity she had built through her own effort, long before she would become known worldwide as “Derek Chauvin wife.”
Relationship with Derek Chauvin
Kellie met Derek Chauvin while working at Hennepin County Medical Center, where he brought in a suspect for a medical evaluation. Their connection was unexpected. She later shared that she found Derek to be quiet, reserved, and kind — a contrast to his stern police persona. After their first meeting, he returned to the hospital to ask her out, beginning a relationship that culminated in marriage in 2010.
The couple lived together in Oakdale, Minnesota, and later purchased a property in Windermere, Florida. While they did not have children together, Kellie had two children from a previous marriage, and Derek was reportedly supportive of her family.
To the outside world, they appeared to live a quiet, stable life. Friends and neighbors described them as polite but private. However, when Derek Chauvin was filmed kneeling on George Floyd’s neck in May 2020, their life changed overnight.
Divorce and Public Response
Just days after the death of George Floyd, Kellie Chauvin released a public statement through her attorney expressing deep sympathy for Floyd’s family. In that same statement, she announced that she was filing for divorce from Derek Chauvin. The divorce filing came on May 30, 2020, citing an “irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage.
Her swift decision drew significant public attention. Some viewed it as an attempt to distance herself from her husband’s actions, while others saw it as an act of moral integrity. Despite speculation, court documents showed that she filed the divorce independently and without public comment beyond her initial statement.
After several months of legal proceedings, their divorce was finalized on February 2, 2021. The court approved a revised settlement after initially rejecting an earlier version that appeared to transfer most marital assets to Kellie, which the judge considered potentially unfair.
Through it all, Kellie remained largely silent in public. She never gave interviews about her marriage or the events surrounding Derek Chauvin’s trial, maintaining a low profile to protect her children and personal life.
Legal Troubles: Minnesota Tax Evasion Case
In July 2020, while the divorce was still in process, both Derek and Kellie Chauvin were charged with multiple counts of tax evasion by the state of Minnesota. The charges alleged that the couple failed to report more than $460,000 in income from Derek’s off-duty security work and Kellie’s small business earnings between 2014 and 2019.
Court filings accused them of underpaying thousands of dollars in taxes, filing false returns, and concealing income. The case added further controversy to Kellie’s life at a time when public scrutiny was already immense.
In February 2023, Kellie Chauvin pleaded guilty to two felony counts of aiding and abetting tax fraud. She accepted responsibility for her role and was sentenced in May 2023 to 20 days in jail, three years of probation, and approximately $38,000 in restitution. Her husband received a separate sentence in federal custody.
While the incident tarnished her reputation, many noted her willingness to cooperate with authorities and accept accountability, which helped close that chapter in her life.
Life After Divorce
Following her divorce and legal troubles, Kellie Chauvin chose to withdraw completely from the public eye. Little verified information is available about her current life, but reports suggest she relocated from Minnesota to maintain privacy. Friends have described her as focusing on her children, faith, and personal healing.
Given the intensity of the media attention she faced, her decision to live quietly is understandable. Those who knew her before the events of 2020 often recall her kindness and dedication to community service — qualities that were overshadowed by the controversy surrounding her ex-husband.
Despite everything, Kellie’s life story remains one of survival and reinvention. From a refugee camp to the American Midwest, from hospital work to a pageant crown, and from public scandal to personal seclusion, her journey reflects both the complexity and resilience of a woman navigating extraordinary circumstances.
Ethnicity, Faith, and Personal Values
Kellie Chauvin’s Hmong heritage is central to her identity. The Hmong people, originally from mountainous regions of Laos, Vietnam, and China, maintain strong cultural traditions rooted in family, respect, and perseverance. Kellie has often spoken with pride about her roots and the challenges of preserving them in a Western society.
Her personal beliefs emphasize faith, hard work, and compassion. Even during her pageant years, she used her platform to raise awareness about cultural misunderstanding and domestic abuse, issues that disproportionately affect immigrant women. Her commitment to empowering other women remains an important part of her legacy within the Hmong community.
FAQs About Derek Chauvin’s Ex-Wife
Who is Derek Chauvin’s wife?
Derek Chauvin’s ex-wife is Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, a Hmong American radiology technician, realtor, and former Mrs. Minnesota 2018.
When did Kellie Chauvin and Derek Chauvin get married?
They married in 2010 after meeting at Hennepin County Medical Center, where Kellie worked.
When did they divorce?
Kellie Chauvin filed for divorce in May 2020, and it was finalized in February 2021.
Did Kellie Chauvin face legal charges?
Yes, she pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting tax fraud in 2023 and served a short jail sentence.
Where is Kellie Chauvin now?
She has maintained privacy since the divorce and is reportedly living a quiet life away from media attention.
Conclusion
Kellie Chauvin’s story is a compelling portrait of a woman caught in the storm of one of America’s most controversial events. Though known widely as “Derek Chauvin wife,” she is far more than a title attached to infamy. She is a refugee who became a citizen, a professional who built a career from the ground up, and a mother who faced unimaginable public pressure.
Her life demonstrates how a person’s identity can be reshaped by circumstances beyond their control — yet still remain rooted in strength and perseverance. While she may never fully escape the shadow of her ex-husband’s actions, Kellie Chauvin’s resilience and her journey from hardship to independence remain an important reminder of the human stories often hidden behind the headlines.
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