In a striking new development, Hermes Giersch, the 18-year-old son of Gossip Girl actress Kelly Rutherford, now towers over his mother, marking a poignant personal milestone after one of Hollywood's most protracted and costly custody wars.
The young man, who recently celebrated his birthday, stands at an impressive height, a physical testament to the years that have passed since the bitter legal fight began. The battle, which played out in international courts, reportedly cost the actress her entire life savings, estimated to be over £2 million.
A Mother's Sacrifice
Rutherford's struggle to retain custody of Hermes and his younger sister, Helena, became a cause célèbre after her ex-husband, German businessman Daniel Giersch, had his U.S. visa revoked. This triggered a complex international legal saga that ultimately resulted in the children being ordered to live with their father in Monaco in 2015.
Rutherford has spoken openly about the immense financial and emotional toll, claiming the fight left her "financially destitute" and forced her to rely on the support of friends and colleagues.
Life After a Very Public Ordeal
Despite the past turmoil, recent photos show a happy and healthy Hermes, who bears a strong resemblance to his mother. The images tell a story of resilience and the passage of time, offering a sense of closure to a painful chapter that captivated public attention for nearly a decade.
While the legal wounds may have healed, the story of Kelly Rutherford's fight for her children remains a powerful and cautionary tale about the complexities of international divorce and child custody law.
