Valeria Kudenkov, a television presenter and the wife of chef Konstantin Ivlev, addressed the online insults directed at Ivlev’s ex-wife, Maria, on social media, offering a calm counterpoint to the heated posts.
Kudenkova explained that the negativity she encountered did not unsettle her. She responded with composure to the criticisms hurled at her by Ivlev’s former partner, the woman asserted.
“First, people reveal a lot about themselves through what they share. Second, they often project their own feelings onto others in the moment,” noted the host’s spouse from the program “On the Knives.”
Valeria Kudenkova and Konstantin Ivlev tied the knot in February 2021, and they welcomed a daughter named Nika. Since the marriage, rumors have circulated that Kudenkova’s entry into Ivlev’s life disrupted the family dynamic. These claims were amplified when Ivlev’s ex-wife accused him of infidelity. Maria referred to Kudenkova in harsh terms, labeling her as “an escort from Taman.” Ivlev and Kudenkova have maintained that the ex-wife’s accusations were part of a broader public feud that coincided with the divorce, rather than a new relationship trigger.
In March, Kudenkova publicly pushed back against the notion that she married Ivlev for money, offering a softer take on their story. She suggested that, had fate placed her with Ivlev in a different era—perhaps in the 1990s—the two might still have found a way to be together. The point she emphasized is that people enter relationships for more than appearances or wealth; mutual understanding and shared values often form the real glue.
Observers note the dynamic underscores a broader truth about public life: fame can magnify personal rifts, and artful storytelling around marriages can distort what truly binds two people. The couple’s stance has centered on respect, quiet resilience, and a focus on family life, rather than engagement in the waves of sensational headlines. The discourse around their union reflects a larger pattern in celebrity culture, where private bonds are constantly compared against public narratives. Social media amplifies both admiration and critique, yet Kudenkova’s responses demonstrate an insistence on dignity and perspective in the face of online scrutiny. (citation: media coverage and statements from the involved parties)
As the conversation continues, the public is reminded that relationships are complex and often evolve under scrutiny. Kudenkova’s approach—measured, reflective, and anchored in personal experience—offers a counterpoint to sensational takes. The couple’s shared history, including their daughter’s presence in their lives, remains a central thread in their narrative, shaping how they navigate rumors and maintain focus on their family and professional commitments. (citation: ongoing industry discussion and public interviews)