5 Surprising Facts About Kelly Rutherford's Kids: Hermés And Helena Giersch Now

The tumultuous, decade-long international custody battle involving actress Kelly Rutherford and her two children, Hermés and Helena, captured global headlines, transforming the Gossip Girl star into a symbol of a mother's relentless fight. As of late 2024, the story has shifted dramatically from courtrooms to red carpets, with her children now young adults, stepping into the public eye on their own terms.

The intense public scrutiny has finally given way to a new chapter, showcasing the strong bond between Rutherford and her now-teenaged children. This article dives into the current lives of Hermés and Helena Giersch, revealing what they are up to today, the impact of their unique upbringing, and the fresh perspective on the family’s journey post-custody battle.

Kelly Rutherford: A Brief Biography and Family Profile

Kelly Rutherford’s life has been a compelling blend of Hollywood glamour and profound personal struggle. Known primarily for her iconic roles in hit television series, her personal life, particularly her journey through motherhood, has often overshadowed her career.

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• Full Name: Kelly Dean Melissa Rutherford
• Date of Birth: November 6, 1968
• Place of Birth: Elizabethtown, Kentucky, U.S.
• Career Highlights:
  • Stephanie "Sam" Whitmore on the NBC soap opera Generations (1988–1991).
  • Megan Lewis on Melrose Place (1996–1999).
  • Lily van der Woodsen on The CW's Gossip Girl (2007–2012).
  • Elizabeth Harvey on Dynasty (2018–2019).
• Marriages:
  • Carlos Tarajano (m. 2201–2002)
  • Daniel Giersch (m. 2006–2010)
• Children (with Daniel Giersch):
  • Son: Hermés Gustaf Daniel Giersch (b. 2006)
  • Daughter: Helena Grace Rutherford Giersch (b. 2009)
• Current Residence: Splits time between the U.S. and Monaco/Europe to be close to her children.

The Decade-Long Shadow: Understanding the Custody Battle's Legacy

The story of Kelly Rutherford’s children is inseparable from the extraordinary legal drama that defined their early lives. The divorce from German businessman Daniel Giersch in 2010 quickly escalated into one of the most publicized and complex international custody disputes in Hollywood history.

The core of the issue stemmed from Giersch’s U.S. visa being revoked, which led a California judge in 2012 to rule that the children, Hermés and Helena, must live with their father in France and Monaco.

This decision, which essentially forced Rutherford to travel across the Atlantic to see her children, was widely criticized for prioritizing the father's residence over the mother's ability to maintain a consistent presence in their lives.

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Rutherford spent millions of dollars and years of her life fighting in courts across multiple countries—including California, New York, and Monaco—to regain primary physical custody in the U.S., ultimately without success.

The emotional toll on the actress was immense, but her public fight brought significant attention to the complexities and sometimes heartbreaking outcomes of international child custody laws. She became an advocate, founding a non-profit group focused on children’s rights, channeling her personal pain into a mission to help others facing similar legal battles.

Today, the children are primarily based in Europe, a major factor in Rutherford's own decision to relocate and split her time between the U.S. and Monaco, ensuring she remains a constant, loving presence in their lives.

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Hermés and Helena Giersch: 5 Surprising Facts About Their Lives Now

With Hermés now 18 and Helena 16, the children are finally emerging from the protective bubble of their private lives, offering a glimpse into their European upbringing and their relationship with their famous mother. The latest updates reveal a family dynamic that is far removed from the drama of the past.

1. Hermés Giersch is Making Rare Red Carpet Appearances

The most significant recent update is the very public emergence of Kelly Rutherford's son, Hermés. In 2024, Hermés, who has grown into a tall young man, has been spotted by his mother’s side at several high-profile events.

In March 2024, the mother-son duo attended Paris Fashion Week, marking one of their first joint public appearances in over a decade. They also made a notable appearance together at a gala in France and later in New York City, demonstrating a close and affectionate bond. This sudden visibility suggests a new comfort level with the public eye as Hermés reaches adulthood.

2. Helena Giersch is a Teenager Living a Life of European Privacy

Helena Grace, the younger child, is now 16 years old. Unlike her older brother, Helena has maintained a much lower profile. While Hermés has stepped out with his mother, Helena’s life remains largely private, shielded from the media glare that plagued her childhood. She is growing up immersed in the culture of Monaco and France, a stark contrast to the Hollywood life her mother leads.

3. Their Upbringing is Truly International

Due to the custody arrangement, Hermés and Helena have spent the majority of their formative years living in Europe. This has resulted in a unique, bilingual, and highly international upbringing. They are exposed to European education, culture, and travel, which provides a different perspective than a traditional American celebrity childhood. This international lifestyle is a direct consequence of the legal battle, shaping them into citizens of the world.

4. The Children's Relationship with Both Parents Appears Stable

Despite the bitter legal history between their parents, recent reports and Kelly Rutherford’s own statements suggest the children maintain a relationship with both their mother and their father, Daniel Giersch. The goal for both parents, even after years of conflict, appears to be co-parenting in a way that provides stability for the children. Rutherford’s move to be geographically closer to them in Monaco was a testament to her commitment to their daily lives, regardless of the custody outcome.

5. Hermés is Now an Adult and Free to Choose His Residence

As of 2024, Hermés Giersch has reached the age of 18, which is a pivotal moment in the context of the custody case. Legally, the long-standing court orders governing his residence are now null and void, as he is an adult. This means he is free to choose where he lives, including the option to live with his mother in the United States, or to continue his life in Europe. His recent public appearances in the U.S. and France are a subtle sign of the newfound freedom and independence he now possesses.

The Future for Kelly Rutherford's Family

The intense legal saga that defined the "Kelly Rutherford kids" narrative has finally drawn to a close, replaced by the reality of two young adults navigating their lives. Kelly Rutherford, the resilient mother and actress, has transitioned from fighting for custody to simply being a mother present in her children’s lives, a role she cherishes deeply.

The focus has shifted from the jurisdiction of courts to the personal choices of Hermés and Helena. As Hermés embarks on adulthood and Helena enters her late teens, the family is embracing a new, quieter chapter. The legacy of their story is one of perseverance, highlighting the lengths a parent will go to for their children, and the powerful, enduring bond between a mother and her kids, regardless of geographical distance or legal obstacles.