Bollywood actress Celina Jaitley has revealed that she is being denied access to her three children despite a joint custody order from an Austrian family court, intensifying her ongoing divorce battle with ex-husband Peter Haag.
The actress shared a deeply emotional note on social media, describing the separation from her sons as heartbreaking and alleging interference with her communication rights. Celina’s revelations have drawn public attention not just to the custody dispute, but also to broader questions about cross-border legal challenges faced by expatriate Indian women.
Who is Peter Haag?
Peter Haag is an Austrian businessman and hotelier who married Celina Jaitly in 2011 after the former Bollywood beauty queen moved to Austria. The couple share three sons: Winston, Viraaj and Arthur.
Peter Haag, who is reported to be based in Europe, is at the centre of Celina’s divorce fight. In September 2025, he served her divorce papers on their 15th wedding anniversary, an act Celina described as deeply hurtful and symbolic of the emotional toll of their estrangement.
Celina Jaitley Denied Access to Children Despite Joint Custody
Although an Austrian family court granted joint custody, Celina says she has been blocked from communicating with or seeing her children since leaving Austria in October 2025. “Despite joint custody & a subsisting order of the Austrian Family Court, I am presently DENIED ANY COMMUNICATION with my 3 children & I am heartbroken!” she wrote on social media, underlining her distress at being unable to speak to her sons.
Celina Jaitley alleges that there has been interference with her children’s access to her, including attempts to influence them against her through selective media narratives and intimidation.
Celina Jaitley Shared Emotional Note
In a heartfelt post, Celina Jaitley wrote that she lost her children the day she chose to protect her dignity, her children, and her brother by leaving Austria. She said she fled an allegedly abusive marriage with little money and no support but continued to fight for her rights.
Her note described the systematic oppression and abuse she says she endured during her marriage and following her departure.
Financial Strain Emerges as a Key Issue in the Legal Fight
The custody battle is closely tied to a financial dispute between Celina Jaitly and her estranged husband, Peter Haag. In her statement, the actress alleged she faced financial control during the marriage and was discouraged from pursuing independent work, leaving her financially dependent for years.
She said she exited the marriage with limited resources despite being married for over a decade, choosing dignity and mental health over financial security. Celina also claimed that attempts at an amicable separation collapsed due to what she described as unreasonable financial demands linked to her pre-marital assets, which she refused to accept.
She has since approached Indian courts seeking maintenance and compensation, alleging emotional, physical, and financial abuse, and suggested that the unresolved financial conflict has now spilt into the custody dispute, restricting her access to her children.
Accusations of Abuse & Legal Struggles
Celina Jaitley has also filed a domestic violence case against Peter Haag, accusing him of emotional, physical, verbal, and other abuse over the years. She reportedly sought compensation, monthly maintenance, and full custody of the children in her plea.
In her legal filings, she says her freedom and dignity were undermined and that she was discouraged from working independently in Austria.
Cross-Border Custody & Jurisdiction Issues
The custody dispute highlights the complex legal realities faced by expatriates. Celina moved to India after leaving Austria, but her children remain with their father in Europe.
Different legal jurisdictions and international custody norms have made the battle both emotionally and legally challenging for the actress. She has had to take on legal battles not just for custody, but also for her own assets and rights.
Public Reaction and Support
Celina’s post has drawn sympathy from many who see her struggle as emblematic of broader issues surrounding domestic violence, parental rights, and cross-border custody disputes. She also requested that the media respect her children’s privacy by refraining from using their photos in coverage.
What’s Next in the Legal Fight?
Celina has repeatedly stated that her priority remains the well-being of her children. She says she has sought an amicable separation and tried to resolve disputes without conflict, but alleges that unreasonable conditions were imposed related to her premarital assets and freedom.
As legal proceedings continue in both Austria and India, the custody dispute is expected to remain in focus.
