Gossip Girl Star Shares Update After Years-Long Custody Battle

As a lifestyle expert, I admire Kelly Rutherford for her resilience and adaptability. Her journey from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the tranquil shores of the Mediterranean is a testament to her strength and determination. It’s inspiring to see how she has transformed a challenging situation into a peaceful lifestyle that suits her needs.


Kelly Rutherford has traded Manhattan for the Mediterranean.

Almost a decade since the former Gossip Girl star’s contentious custody dispute with ex-spouse Daniel Giersch – which prompted her to relocate to Monaco to be close to their son Hermés (age 17) and daughter Helena (age 15) – the actress shared a glimpse of her “fairly tranquil” life overseas.

As I shared with Travel + Leisure in a recent interview on September 30, this destination is surprisingly serene, contrary to popular belief. To me, it offers a peaceful retreat where one can truly find solitude.

During winter, it’s exceptionally calm, secluded, and serene,” she remarked. “It’s much like the Hamptons during the bustling summer season compared to the tranquil winter.

And that tranquil life also includes a simple day-to-day routine.

The 55-year-old mentioned that they usually take the dogs for walks, spend time with their children, and run errands. Occasionally, they might attend gallery openings or similar events, but generally, they prefer to have a peaceful, solitary time at home.

In 2008, Rutherford sought divorce from her German businessman husband, Giersch, whom she had married two years prior and was expecting their daughter. Despite initially sharing custody, a judge decided in 2012 that the children would stay with their father in Monaco, following his relocation there after the revocation of his U.S. visa.

The actor who was famous for his role on “Melrose Place” filed for bankruptcy in 2013, only a few months after telling TopMob News, “All the money from ‘Gossip Girl’, my retirement savings, and my stock investments have been used to fight for my children.” (paraphrased)

Two years later, the situation significantly changed as Rutherford decided not to send the children back to Monaco following their summer visit in the U.S. Eventually, a court in New York City ruled that the children should be returned to their father instead.

In the years following that landmark decision, I’ve chosen to prioritize my family life. However, I haven’t entirely stepped away from the world of acting. I’ve been honored to accept some select roles, such as my recent appearance in 2023 on the Prime Video series, “Escort Boys”.

She shared with People magazine in February that her children are growing up, expressing something like, “You’ve had your time, move on.” Now, they are teenagers who have their own friends and activities. As a result, her daily life has shifted to focus more on herself, her work, and her pets.

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2024-10-02 00:21