Few names have become as controversial in modern history as Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer whose involvement in the death of George Floyd in 2020 sparked worldwide protests and a movement for racial justice. When his case made headlines globally, public attention also turned to his personal life — especially his wife.
Derek Chauvin’s wife, Kellie Chauvin, became a subject of global curiosity. From her background as a refugee and beauty pageant winner to her marriage, divorce, and life after the case, Kellie’s journey is complex and layered. This article takes a deep look at who Derek Chauvin’s wife is, her story, and how she navigated public scrutiny.
Who Is Derek Chauvin’s Wife?
- Full Name: Kellie May Chauvin (née Thao)
- Born: 1974 (51 years old in 2025)
- Nationality: Hmong-American
- Professions: Radiology technician, realtor, and former beauty queen
- Fame: Crowned Mrs. Minnesota America 2018
Kellie was married to Derek Chauvin from 2010 until 2021, when their divorce was finalized following his arrest and conviction.
Early Life of Kellie Chauvin
Kellie Chauvin was born in Laos in 1974 into a Hmong family. As a child, she experienced the challenges of displacement when her family fled as refugees to the United States.
They eventually settled in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where she grew up facing cultural and language barriers. Despite these hardships, Kellie pursued education and worked hard to establish a career in healthcare.
Career and Achievements
Radiology Technician
Kellie worked as a radiology technician at Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis. Her job gave her professional stability and community recognition.
Beauty Pageant Success
In 2018, Kellie was crowned Mrs. Minnesota America. She was the first Hmong-American woman to win the title, making her a cultural inspiration within her community.
Real Estate
Later, Kellie transitioned into real estate, building another career path while balancing her family responsibilities.
Meeting Derek Chauvin
Kellie first met Derek Chauvin when he brought a suspect into the hospital where she worked. Their relationship grew from there, and the couple married in 2010.
At the time, Kellie described Chauvin as supportive and caring, and from the outside, they appeared to live a private, stable life.
Life as Derek Chauvin’s Wife
Being married to a police officer brought its own challenges. Chauvin’s demanding job often kept him away from home, but Kellie managed family and career responsibilities.
As Chauvin’s wife, she was not in the public spotlight until the George Floyd case — when her name suddenly became internationally recognized.
Divorce After the George Floyd Case
On May 31, 2020, just days after Derek Chauvin’s arrest, Kellie filed for divorce.
Key points:
- She cited irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
- She requested to change her last name and separate her identity from Chauvin.
- She also sought full ownership of their shared properties.
- The divorce was finalized in 2021.
This decision was widely seen as a public disavowal of Chauvin’s actions and an attempt to protect her family from association with the case.
Public Perception of Kellie Chauvin
Kellie’s actions during the case drew mixed reactions:
- Admiration – Many respected her for filing for divorce swiftly after Chauvin’s arrest.
- Sympathy – She was viewed as a woman caught in a global controversy she did not cause.
- Speculation – Some questioned her motives, though no evidence links her to Chauvin’s actions.
Overall, she is largely seen as someone who chose independence and separation from a highly controversial figure.
Challenges She Faced
Being married to and later divorcing Derek Chauvin presented unique struggles:
- Public Scrutiny – Her private life became a subject of global discussion.
- Stigma – She faced the burden of being associated with Chauvin’s name.
- Personal Turmoil – Managing her identity and family during one of the most publicized criminal trials in modern U.S. history.
- Media Intrusion – A loss of privacy as reporters and the public sought details about her.
Life After Divorce
Since her divorce, Kellie Chauvin has chosen a quiet, private life. Reports suggest she has withdrawn from the media spotlight, focusing on rebuilding her personal and professional life away from public attention.
Her decision to live privately aligns with her desire to protect herself and her children from continued association with her former husband’s notoriety.
Comparison Table – Derek Chauvin vs. Kellie Chauvin
| Aspect | Derek Chauvin | Kellie Chauvin |
|---|---|---|
| Born | 1976 | 1974 |
| Profession | Police Officer | Radiology Technician, Realtor, Beauty Queen |
| Public Image | Infamous for George Floyd case | Known as Mrs. Minnesota 2018, later for divorce |
| Relationship | Married 2010–2021 | Ex-wife, divorced after arrest |
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FAQs
1. Who is Derek Chauvin’s wife?
His ex-wife is Kellie Chauvin, a Hmong-American woman known for her work in healthcare, real estate, and as Mrs. Minnesota 2018.
2. Are Derek and Kellie Chauvin still married?
No. They divorced in 2021 after Derek Chauvin’s arrest and conviction.
3. Why did Kellie Chauvin file for divorce?
She cited irretrievable breakdown of the marriage following Chauvin’s arrest.
4. What is Kellie Chauvin known for?
She is known for winning Mrs. Minnesota 2018 and later for being Derek Chauvin’s ex-wife.
5. Where is Kellie Chauvin now?
She lives a private life away from media attention after the divorce.
Conclusion
The story of Derek Chauvin’s wife, Kellie Chauvin, reflects resilience in the face of global controversy. From her refugee beginnings to professional achievements and becoming Mrs. Minnesota 2018, Kellie built her own identity long before she became linked to Derek Chauvin.
Her decision to file for divorce after Chauvin’s arrest highlighted her independence and determination to distance herself from his actions. Today, Kellie Chauvin represents a woman who has faced extraordinary public pressure yet chosen to move forward on her own terms.