Dmitry Shepelev, the well-known television presenter, has recently opened up about the difficult choices he faced following the death of his former partner, singer Zhanna Friske. Speaking during an interview with journalist Nadezhda Strelets, Shepelev explained his decision to distance their son, Platon, from Zhanna’s parents to protect the boy's mental and emotional well-being.
Shepelev revealed his concerns about the potential emotional trauma Platon could experience if he witnessed the dying process of his mother. “I didn’t want him to witness her death. There was no doubt the battle was lost. It was a slow process, and it was evident through little things,” he shared, emphasizing his protective instincts. Shortly before Zhanna's passing, he made the decision to take Platon away for the summer, hoping for a peaceful respite away from the looming tragedy.
“We said goodbye to Zhanna, got in the taxi, and by the evening we were at the beach. I received the news of her passing later,” he recounted. His decision to relocate Platon was rooted deeply in his desire to shield the child from the harsh realities surrounding Zhanna’s final days.
Further discussing his reasons for not allowing Platon to connect with his maternal grandparents, Shepelev described the troubling behavior of Zhanna’s parents post her death. He stated, “I begged Zhanna’s parents on my knees not to drag him [Platon] through this situation,” illustrating the desperation he felt to maintain some semblance of normalcy for his son. According to Shepelev, he still believes he made the right choice for Platon's safety, which he argues has been compromised by his late partner’s family’s erratic behavior.
For over ten years, Platon has grown up without contact with those relatives, and Shepelev has made it clear he prefers it to remain this way. With Platon approaching his twelfth birthday, Shepelev insists the decision was protective, as he feels the influence of his son’s grandparents could negatively affect his upbringing. He elaborated on the negative encounters between himself and Zhanna's family, noting, “There were incidents of violence; her father once attacked me and my driver with a knife.” This startling admission demonstrates the tumultuous dynamics between them since Zhanna’s passing.
Reflecting on his motives, Shepelev explained, “I wanted Platon to have grandparents, but not at any cost.” He expressed concern over how they might attempt to use Platon for public attention, indicating prior attempts by them to feature the child on camera, which Shepelev fiercely opposed. “This is my son, and this is my decision,” he remarked, asserting his parental rights and boundaries clearly.
Despite the difficult reality of limiting Platon's extended family interactions, Shepelev reassured viewers and fans alike about his transparency with his son. Platon is aware of his mother’s parents but lacks the full details due to the restrictions set by his father. “I don’t hide the truth from him,” Shepelev shared, “but I don’t allow him to seek out information online or influence his perception of the situation through public channels.”
Shepelev’s commitment to protecting Platon shines through his determined narrative. While he recognizes the importance of family connections for children, he parallels this with the necessity of ensuring their safety and healthy emotional development above all else. His caution stems from real-life incidents, including threats from groups connected with Zhanna's family. “If it weren’t for my security, we could have faced serious consequences,” Shepelev admitted, hinting at the dangers they faced from strangers likely affiliated with opponents of his decisions.
The interview poignantly encapsulates the struggles Shepelev continues to face as he navigates the complex history of his relationship with Zhanna and her family. His steadfastness to prioritize Platon’s safety showcases not only paternal love but also the harsh realities of handling public relationships where family dynamics go awry. While the scars of loss remain, it is clear Shepelev is determined to carve out a safety net for Platon, providing stability and security amid the chaos surrounding the memories of his mother.
With every interview, Shepelev aims to shed light on his experiences and the challenges of single parenthood, especially under such intense familial and societal scrutiny. He hopes for the day when he can explain the entire truth of his family situation to Platon without any ambiguity, emphasizing trust and love as the foundations for their relationship.
Overall, Dmitry Shepelev's revelations resonate deeply not only with those familiar with the tragedy surrounding Zhanna Friske but with anyone who understands the lengths parents will go to protect their children—from the ghosts of the past and the uncertainties of the future.