David Goldman, Son Sean Look Back On Infamous Abduction Case | TODAY

Summary

The video script tells the story of Sean Goldman, who was taken to Brazil by his mother and denied return to the U.S. despite an international treaty. His father, David, fought for five years to bring Sean home, enduring legal battles and personal struggles. The case gained worldwide attention and reached the President. Eventually, in 2009, Sean was returned to David. Now, father and son advocate for other families facing similar abductions, contributing to the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction Prevention Act, aiming to prevent such tragedies.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Sean Goldman was taken to Brazil by his mother, Brunia, during a family vacation and never returned to the U.S., sparking an international custody dispute.
• 📜 Despite an international treaty signed by Brazil requiring Sean's return within six weeks, Brazilian courts granted Brunia permanent custody, against the treaty's stipulation.
• 📞 For years, David Goldman had minimal contact with his son, limited to a few phone calls, highlighting the emotional toll of the separation.
• 💔 Brunia's subsequent marriage and death during childbirth further complicated the custody battle, with Brazilian courts temporarily granting custody to her new husband.
• 🌎 The case gained worldwide attention and reached the desk of the U.S. President, demonstrating the case's significance and impact.
• 🏛 In December 2009, after a lengthy legal struggle, Sean's Brazilian relatives were ordered by the country's chief justices to return him to his American father.
• 🎉 David Goldman's victory was celebrated as a 'Christmas miracle,' and he and Sean were flown home on a flight chartered by NBC News.
• 🔄 After reuniting, David and Sean faced the challenge of re-establishing their relationship, overcoming the effects of parental alienation.
• 📚 The Goldman family's story led to the creation of the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction and Prevention Act, aimed at preventing similar situations.
• 🤝 David and Sean Goldman are now advocates for families facing international child abduction, using their experience to help others.
• 🎓 Sean, now 19 and taller than his father, plans to study political science at college, a choice influenced by his personal experiences.

Q & A

What was the situation that led to Sean Goldman being taken to Brazil?

Sean Goldman was taken to Brazil by his mother, Bruna, during a planned family vacation. She never returned to the U.S. and later filed for divorce, which initiated a custody battle.

What international treaty was involved in Sean Goldman's case?

The case involved the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, which Brazil had signed. This treaty typically requires the return of abducted children to their country of habitual residence.

Why did the Brazilian courts initially refuse to return Sean to the U.S.?

The Brazilian courts ruled that Sean should not be separated from his mother and granted her permanent custody, despite the international treaty and David Goldman's demand for a custody hearing in the U.S.

What happened to Sean's mother during the custody dispute?

Sean's mother, Bruna, later died during childbirth, which led to a further twist in the custody case.

Who was given temporary custody of Sean after his mother's death?

After Bruna's death, the Brazilian courts gave temporary custody to her new husband, which continued the dispute over Sean's return to the U.S.

How did the situation eventually resolve for Sean and David Goldman?

In December 2009, the Brazilian Chief Justices ordered Sean's relatives to return him to his American father, David Goldman, marking a victory in their fight.

What is the Sean and David Goldman International Child Abduction and Prevention Act?

This act, authored by Congressman Smith and signed by President Obama, aims to prevent international child abductions and provides punitive measures against countries that harbor abductors and don't return abducted children.

How has the Goldman family been working to help others after their experience?

David and Sean Goldman have been advocating for families facing similar situations, using their story to raise awareness and support for the prevention of international child abductions.

What is Sean Goldman's educational plan after high school?

Sean Goldman plans to attend community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year institution to continue his education.

What subject is Sean Goldman interested in studying in college, and how is it related to his personal experiences?

Sean is interested in studying political science, a choice influenced by his experiences and the desire to understand and potentially influence policies related to child abduction.

How has the relationship between David and Sean Goldman evolved since being reunited?

Their relationship has evolved positively, with some initial challenges due to parental alienation. They have worked through these issues and are now enjoying their time together as father and son.