Kellie Chauvin: Mrs Minnesota footage with Derek Chauvin reveals sizzling kiss that masked a troubled relationship
Vivid images from Derek Chauvin's trial are seared into public memory. The former police officer — who kneeled on George Floyd's neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds — now faces up to 40 years in prison for second-degree murder, up to 25 years for third-degree murder and up to 10 years for second-degree manslaughter.
As Chauvin waits for his sentence late June this year, the sheer absence of his close ones throughout the trial has piqued much curiosity. His ex-wife, Kellie May Xiong Chauvin, who was crowned Mrs Minnesota in 2019, filed for divorce on May 28, 2020 — barely three days after the shocking viral video of Floyd's death surfaced. In just a moment, their marriage was shattered. But, a glimpse into her beauty pageant days reveals their relationship was not all that grim.
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How did Kellie Chauvin decide to participate in the beauty pageant?
In January 2018, Kellie's close friend Sophia Xiong-Yang convinced her to compete in USOA’s Mrs Minnesota 2018. “She is such a go-getter,” Xiong-Yang said at the time. “I feel that it takes someone who is very caring, compassionate and has a lot of empathy for others to be able to do the things she does. It would be amazing if she makes Minnesota history by being the first Hmong woman to win the title Mrs Minnesota.”
It took some time for Kellie to believe in herself but once she did, there was no stopping her. “I just knew that for myself. I was better than what people made me out to be,” Kellie later said in an interview. “I know it took me a long time to realize that, but it’s never too late.”
When was the contest held?
The contest was held on June 23 at Bloomington Center for the Arts where she faced off against seven others including one other Hmong woman from Minnesota, according to Twin Cities. The pageant was split into four parts — including a private interview, a public interview, a swimsuit round and an evening-gown round. Before sashaying down the ramp in 5½-inch heels that complemented her glittery navy blue gown, she nervously said, “If I fall flat on my face, at least somebody will remember.”
A tribute to police officers, the blue dress grabbed many eyeballs. Reminiscing the moment she set her eyes on the outfit, Kellie said, “When I saw the dress, it was almost like it was in a movie where the girl sees a dress... I was immediately drawn to it.”
What questions was Kellie Chauvin asked?
During the question-answer round, Kellie was visibly nervous and could be seen fidgeting with a piece of paper in her hand. The host then handed over the mic and asked her the question: “What three adventures do you have on your bucket list?”
Kellie answered: “I would say number one would be travelling to New York City to see the Statue of Liberty. That has always been on my bucket list because it is a sign of freedom for me... Another one would be to go back to my country and explore what my parents went through. Number three would probably be paradise... where the blue water is.”
What did Derek Chauvin say at the pageant?
Derek Chauvin was a constant support at the pageant for his then-wife. It's quite surprising to watch his amiable side in those old videos. Married for eight years then, Kellie lovingly spoke about her husband. “Under all that uniform, he’s just a softie,” she said. “He’s such a gentleman. He still opens the door for me, still puts my coat on for me. After my divorce, I had a list of must-haves if I were ever to be in a relationship, and he fit all of them.”
Meanwhile, Derek introduced her as his outstanding wife at the pageant. In a question-answer round for husbands, when he was asked if he “could add an additional contest to the pageant, what would it be,” he replied, “Oh, good question. I think I would add a physical event.” Poking fun at how height plays a huge factor in beauty pageants, he quipped “rock climbing” could be a great addition and the room burst into fits of laughter.
Was Kellie Chauvin really crowned Mrs Minnesota?
Kellie reportedly won the beauty pageant and became the first Hmong woman to earn the Mrs Minnesota title. Surprisingly though, a YouTube analysis claimed that there were no actual photos or videos of her being crowned. According to the video, the first photo on the official Facebook page of the pageant was hers but it wasn't a crowning shot. Several other photos of her from the pageant, however, have been widely circulated on social media.
Spilling the beans on how winners are usually chosen, pageant director Carl Schway told Twin Cities, “They look for a contestant who can speak to anyone and be approachable to other people.” He added, “Personality … vibrance, ability to speak and articulate. It’s almost like going to a job interview and trying to win that job.” And if you are wondering what the winning prize was, the same report read: “The winner will advance to the Mrs America pageant, which will be held in Las Vegas in August. The winner of Mrs America can compete in Mrs World. Winners typically make several public appearances, speaking at events and continuing to give back to their communities.”
‘I dedicate myself to animals and children and women’
Helping others came naturally for Kellie and that was one thing expected of Mrs Minnesota America contestants. “My hobby is just helping people,” she said.
She went on to volunteer as a translator at local hospitals to make her home a “safe haven” for Hmong women going through difficult times. Not just that, she also helped police officers and military members buy groceries and rescued dogs, cats and other animals.
Kellie said, “I dedicate myself to animals and children and women,” adding, “That’s my passion. It doesn’t feel like work to me.” According to reports, she also helped Empowering Women, a nonprofit dedicated to helping Hmong women who had recently arrived in the United States, to find jobs, child care and a community.
Watch the video from her Minnesota Pageant here: