Eric & Sheena Greitens: The Governor, the Blackmail Photo, and the Abuse Allegations
A Navy SEAL governor resigned after a blackmail-and-affair scandal, then his wife alleged years of domestic abuse during their custody battle
Key Facts
What Happened
Eric Greitens was a decorated Navy SEAL, Rhodes Scholar, and bestselling author who became Missouri's governor in 2017, portraying himself as a clean-cut family man and political outsider. Sheena Chestnut Greitens was a respected political scientist and professor at the University of Texas. Their marriage appeared picture-perfect for the cameras, but behind closed doors, a different reality was unfolding.
In January 2018, Greitens admitted to having an extramarital affair that began in 2015. The story escalated dramatically when the woman alleged that Greitens had taken a nude photograph of her without consent in his basement and used it as blackmail to keep her silent. He was charged with felony invasion of privacy, though the charges were eventually dropped. Separately, campaign finance violations were under investigation. Greitens resigned as governor on June 1, 2018.
Sheena filed for divorce in 2020, and the case took an even darker turn in 2022 when she filed a sworn affidavit alleging years of domestic abuse. She described incidents of physical violence, including Greitens allegedly cuffing their three-year-old son across the face at the dinner table, yanking the child by his hair, and knocking Sheena down and confiscating her phone, wallet, and keys during an argument so she could not call for help or leave with her children.
Sheena stated she had photographic evidence and contemporaneous records documenting the abuse dating back to 2018. The allegations derailed Greitens's campaign for a U.S. Senate seat in Missouri. The custody battle became one of the most closely watched political divorce cases in America, raising urgent questions about domestic violence in families of powerful public figures and the courage it takes to speak up.
Legal Breakdown: Domestic Violence Documentation
Documenting Domestic Violence
Sheena Greitens's 2018 documentation of abuse, including photographs and contemporaneous notes, proved critical when she needed to present evidence years later. Courts rely heavily on contemporaneous evidence rather than post-hoc recollections. If you are experiencing abuse, document everything in real time and store evidence securely.
Sworn Affidavits in Custody Cases
A sworn affidavit is a legal document made under penalty of perjury. Sheena's decision to file one publicly was both legally significant and personally risky. False statements in an affidavit carry criminal penalties, which gives sworn statements substantial weight in court proceedings.
Abuse and Custody Outcomes
Allegations of child abuse, when supported by evidence, can dramatically alter custody arrangements. Courts may order supervised visitation, restrict parental rights, or award sole custody to the non-abusive parent. Greitens's case shows that even powerful, well-connected individuals face consequences when abuse is documented.
What This Means for Your Divorce
- →Document abuse in real time: photographs, notes, text messages, medical records. Store them securely outside the home. This evidence may be crucial years later.
- →A sworn affidavit carries legal weight because it is made under penalty of perjury. If you can truthfully swear to abuse, this tool can protect you and your children.
- →Powerful, charismatic public figures can be abusers. A spouse's public image has no bearing on their private behavior.
- →If you or your children are being abused, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or text START to 88788.
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This article is based on publicly available court records, news reports, and legal analysis. It is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this content.
Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction. Always consult a licensed attorney in your area before making legal decisions.