In a dramatic turn of events, Greek Playmate Sylvia Papadaki is embroiled in a bitter legal battle with her former partner, Dutch businessman Denis Jean Marie Martens, over the custody of their two children. The Athens Single-Member Court has temporarily granted exclusive custody to Martens, escalating the conflict that began last year and has since taken a toll on both parents and their young boys.
Speaking to protothema, Papadaki shared her heartbreak, expressing that video calls with her children are insufficient. “I miss them so much,” she said, revealing the emotional toll of their separation. The situation intensified on September 28, when Papadaki was arrested for failing to hand over the boys to Martens, who then flew them to London in his private jet.
Reflecting on her relationship, Papadaki noted a significant shift in Martens’ attitude, stating, “I realized he probably saw me as a vessel for a good womb.” Once seen as a fairy-tale romance, their relationship deteriorated as Martens frequently travelled, leaving her alone during critical moments, including the births of their children. “During my first pregnancy, I was alone, nearly giving birth without him present,” she recalled, emphasizing her feelings of isolation.
Papadaki described the former couple's dynamic, claiming Martens pressured her into signing agreements that ultimately did not serve her interests. “I signed it under pressure,” she explained, detailing how their legal disputes escalated after Martens refused to return the children following a visit to the Netherlands. “I felt trapped, and it became a battle of wills.”
As their relationship soured, Papadaki struggled with her health issues, suffering from chronic lung disease while managing the demands of parenting alone. “Emotionally, I was not doing well, and my health was deteriorating,” she admitted, recalling the strain of being the primary caregiver amid their growing discord.
Now living apart, Papadaki finds herself struggling with the loss of daily contact with her children. “He knows the kids are the most important thing to me, and I believe this was his revenge,” she lamented. Despite the distance, she communicates with her children every evening, although their conversations can be painful. “Sometimes they say nothing, which deeply upsets me,” she added, highlighting the emotional strain of their separation.
The battle has left Papadaki feeling both hurt and deceived as she grapples with the fallout of a relationship that began with promise but has turned into a painful legal fight over the future of her children. As the custody dispute continues, she remains determined to fight for her role as a mother and to ensure her children's well-being.