Kellie Chauvin: Life After Derek Chauvin & George Floyd Death

16 May, 2025

Did the shadow of a national tragedy irrevocably alter the course of Kellie Chauvin's life? Kellie Chauvin's decision to file for divorce from Derek Chauvin in the wake of George Floyd’s death sparked intense public interest and legal scrutiny, intertwining her personal life with a landmark case in American history. The layers of her story, from her refugee beginnings to her involvement in tax evasion charges alongside her then-husband, reveal a complex narrative far beyond the headlines.

Kellie Chauvin's journey is one marked by resilience and reinvention. Born Kellie May Thao in Laos in October 1974, her early life was shaped by displacement and the challenges of adapting to a new country. In 1980, her family sought refuge in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where she navigated the complexities of learning a new language and culture. Her path took an unexpected turn when she met Derek Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer, while working as a radiologist. Their marriage in 2010 seemed to signal a new chapter, but it was a chapter that would ultimately be overshadowed by the events of May 25, 2020.

Category	Information
Full Name	Kellie May Xiong Chauvin (formerly Kellie May Thao and Kellie May Xiong)
Date of Birth	October 1974
Age (as of 2021)	46 years
Place of Birth	Laos
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Hmong
Early Life	Spent time in a refugee camp before moving to Eau Claire, Wisconsin in 1980
Education	Went to kindergarten at the age of ten
Occupation	Former radiologist, real estate agent (with RE/MAX Results), photographer
Marital Status	Divorced
Former Spouse(s)	Kujay Xiong, Derek Chauvin
Marriage to Derek Chauvin	Married on June 12, 2010; divorced in February 2021
Beauty Pageant Title	Mrs. Minnesota 2018
Legal Issues	Pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting tax fraud in Washington County, Minnesota; sentenced to 20 days in jail, three years of probation, and ordered to pay restitution
Tax Evasion Charges	Accused with Derek Chauvin of underreporting over $460,000 in income between 2014 and 2019
Residence	Opted for Florida because it was less expensive
Brother	Tou Thao, police officer in the Minneapolis Police Department
Reference Link	Star Tribune

The death of George Floyd under Derek Chauvin's knee sent shockwaves across the nation, igniting protests and a reckoning with racial injustice. Just days after Derek was charged with murder and manslaughter on May 25, 2020, Kellie Chauvin filed for divorce on May 31, citing an irretrievable breakdown of their marriage. This decision immediately drew intense scrutiny, with veteran divorce attorneys speculating about the motivations behind the timing. While Kellie publicly expressed sorrow over Floyd's death, the divorce proceedings became entangled with the larger legal and social implications of the case.

Beyond the divorce, Kellie Chauvin faced her own legal troubles. In July 2020, both Derek and Kellie were charged with nine counts of aiding and abetting tax evasion following an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. Prosecutors alleged that they had failed to report over $400,000 in income, specifically underreporting their joint income by over $460,000 between 2014 and 2019, including more than $95,000 attributed to Derek. Kellie ultimately pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting tax fraud in Washington County, Minnesota, resulting in a sentence of 20 days in jail, three years of probation, and a restitution payment close to $38,000. The charges and subsequent plea added another layer of complexity to her public image, casting her not only as the ex-wife of a convicted murderer but also as an individual facing her own legal consequences.

Before her marriage to Derek Chauvin and the ensuing controversies, Kellie Chauvin had carved out a diverse career path. She initially worked as a radiologist, a profession she later left to pursue a career in real estate. After resigning from the hospital, she attended Kaplan University to study residential real estate and subsequently began working as a realtor with RE/MAX Results. In addition to her real estate endeavors, Kellie also ran a photography business, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skillset. Her pursuit of different career paths highlights a desire for personal and professional fulfillment, a desire that was ultimately complicated by the events that unfolded later in her life.

Kellie Chauvin's personal history is marked by both triumph and adversity. As a child, she faced bullying and exclusion, experiences that shaped her self-perception. Despite these challenges, she found a platform for self-expression and empowerment through beauty pageants. In 2018, she competed in and won the Mrs. Minnesota pageant, a victory that represented a personal triumph and a moment of public recognition. However, even this achievement was later viewed through the lens of her association with Derek Chauvin, underscoring the extent to which her life became intertwined with his actions.

The investigation into the Chauvins' finances revealed a pattern of alleged tax evasion. According to court documents, they opted to register their SUV in Florida, claiming it was less expensive. However, the taxes due on the SUV had it been registered in Minnesota were estimated to be $5,053. This detail, while seemingly minor, contributed to the larger narrative of financial discrepancies and alleged attempts to avoid paying their fair share of taxes. The case underscored the scrutiny that public figures and their families often face, particularly when they are embroiled in high-profile legal proceedings.

The divorce between Kellie and Derek Chauvin was finalized in February 2021, marking the end of their ten-year marriage. Kellie cited an irretrievable breakdown of their relationship as the reason for the split. The divorce proceedings were undoubtedly complex, given the circumstances surrounding Derek Chauvin's trial and conviction. The case attracted national attention, and the details of their personal lives were subject to intense public scrutiny. The finalization of the divorce brought a sense of closure to one chapter of Kellie's life, but it also marked the beginning of a new chapter, one in which she would continue to navigate the challenges of public perception and personal reinvention.

Kellie Chauvin's brother, Tou Thao, is also a police officer in the Minneapolis Police Department, adding another layer of complexity to the family's connection to the events surrounding George Floyd's death. The fact that both Derek Chauvin and Tou Thao were members of the same police department raised questions about the culture and practices within the department. It also highlighted the personal toll that the case took on the families of those involved, as they grappled with the consequences of their loved ones' actions.

The judge announced the jury's verdict in Derek Chauvin's trial at just after 4 pm local time on April 20. Following the news, Chauvin was seen being led from the courtroom in handcuffs. The verdict marked a significant moment in the fight for racial justice and police accountability. While the legal proceedings focused on Derek Chauvin's actions, the case also had a profound impact on Kellie Chauvin, whose life was irrevocably altered by the events of that day.

Kellie Chauvin's story is a reminder of the human cost of high-profile legal cases and the challenges of navigating personal lives in the public eye. From her early experiences as a refugee to her career aspirations and the legal troubles she faced, her life has been marked by resilience, reinvention, and unexpected public scrutiny. Her decision to file for divorce from Derek Chauvin in the wake of George Floyd's death thrust her into the national spotlight, and her subsequent legal battles further complicated her public image. As she moves forward, Kellie Chauvin faces the task of rebuilding her life and redefining her identity in the aftermath of a tragedy that shook the nation.

The complexities of Kellie Chauvin's background, including her Hmong heritage and her family's journey from Laos to the United States, provide important context for understanding her life story. Her experiences as an immigrant and a member of a minority community likely shaped her perspectives and her understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized groups. These experiences may have also influenced her decision to speak out against racial injustice following George Floyd's death.

The case of Derek and Kellie Chauvin highlights the importance of financial transparency and the consequences of tax evasion. The allegations that they underreported their income by over $460,000 between 2014 and 2019 underscore the seriousness of these types of offenses. Tax evasion is a crime that affects all members of society, as it deprives governments of the resources they need to provide essential services. The Chauvins' case serves as a cautionary tale for others who may be tempted to engage in similar behavior.

Kellie Chauvin's journey from radiologist to real estate agent to beauty pageant winner reflects a desire for personal and professional growth. Her willingness to pursue different career paths and embrace new challenges is a testament to her resilience and her determination to create a fulfilling life for herself. While her path has been complicated by the events surrounding Derek Chauvin's actions, her story remains one of personal reinvention and the pursuit of happiness.

The public's fascination with Kellie Chauvin's life is a reflection of our society's interest in the personal lives of those who are connected to high-profile legal cases. The media often focuses on the spouses and families of defendants, seeking to understand the impact of their actions on those closest to them. This scrutiny can be both intrusive and unfair, as it subjects individuals to public judgment based on the actions of others. However, it also reflects a desire to understand the human cost of crime and the ripple effects of tragedy.

Kellie Chauvin's story is a reminder that even in the midst of tragedy and controversy, individuals have the capacity for resilience and reinvention. Her journey from refugee to beauty queen to defendant to divorcee is a testament to the human spirit's ability to adapt and overcome adversity. As she moves forward, Kellie Chauvin will undoubtedly face new challenges, but her past experiences have equipped her with the strength and determination to navigate whatever lies ahead.

The legal proceedings against Derek and Kellie Chauvin serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability and justice. While Derek Chauvin was held accountable for his actions in the death of George Floyd, Kellie Chauvin was also held accountable for her role in the tax evasion scheme. These cases demonstrate that no one is above the law, and that those who commit crimes will be held responsible for their actions.

Kellie Chauvin's life story is a complex and multifaceted one, marked by both triumph and tragedy. From her early experiences as a refugee to her career aspirations and the legal troubles she faced, her life has been shaped by a series of unexpected events. As she moves forward, Kellie Chauvin will undoubtedly continue to face challenges, but her resilience and determination will serve her well as she seeks to rebuild her life and redefine her identity.

The intersection of Kellie Chauvin's personal life and the high-profile legal case involving Derek Chauvin highlights the complexities of justice and accountability. While Derek Chauvin's actions were the primary focus of the legal proceedings, Kellie Chauvin's involvement in the tax evasion scheme added another layer of complexity to the narrative. These cases underscore the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, regardless of their personal circumstances.

Kellie Chauvin's journey is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, individuals have the capacity for growth and transformation. Her willingness to pursue different career paths, her participation in beauty pageants, and her efforts to rebuild her life after the divorce all demonstrate her resilience and her determination to create a fulfilling life for herself. As she moves forward, Kellie Chauvin will undoubtedly continue to face challenges, but her past experiences have equipped her with the strength and determination to navigate whatever lies ahead.

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