Sean Goldman To Speak Out

The 9-Year-Old Boy And His Brazilian Family Members Will Talk Tuesday About Their Ongoing Custody Battle

(CBS/AP)  Nine-year-old Sean Goldman and his Brazilian family at the center of the international custody battle will appear on The Early Show Tuesday in an exclusive interview.

In June 2004, Sean's mother Bruna Bianchi took Sean to her native Brazil for a vacation and never returned. Upon arrival, she asked her American husband, David Goldman, for a divorce and three years later married Rio de Janeiro lawyer Joao Paulo Lins e Silva, who has since adopted Sean.

Since Bianchi's death last year, Sean's father, David, who lives in Tinton Falls, N.J., has waged a lengthy court battle to bring his son back to the United States under the Hague Convention on international child abductions.

A lower court in Brazil ruled this month that Sean must be returned to the U.S., but that decision was suspended by a supreme court justice based on a petition filed by a political party that argued that removing Sean from his current family environment would hurt him.

And two weeks ago, Brazil's Supreme Court rebuffed the bid to stop Sean from being taken to the United States, instead ruling that the decision on the boy's fate must be made by a federal court. It's not clear when that ruling may come.

But aside from all the political maneuvering, what does Sean want?

On Tuesday, Early Show viewers will hear for the first time -- directly from Sean -- where he really wants to live.

Though Sean's Brazilian family released a transcript last Wednesday of an interview in which the boy tells a psychologist repeatedly, "I want to stay here in Brazil" and that he will "break down totally" if he is sent to the United States, the video interview is highly contested by David Goldman's supporters.

Rep. Chris Smith, a New Jersey Republican who has traveled with Goldman to Brazil several times, called the video itself "abusive."

"It reminded me of a hostage situation where you get somebody and you ask them questions in front of the camera," Smith said."There's no doubt that he was coached."

Patricia Apy, David's lawyer, said she believes the Brazilian family is trying to take advantage of a provision in the Hague Convention that can give children a say in whether they should be returned to another country. But she said it does not apply in this case because of Sean's young age and psychological fragility.

"The psychological pressure it places on a child is so extreme," she said.

Sergio Tostes, the lawyer for Lins e Silva who plans to file the appeal, said Apy is misinterpreting the law.

"There is no age limitation for a child to be heard, and, in fact, the provision says that if a child is able to express himself -- even if he is only five years old," Tostes said, "then his opinion must be heard and taken into consideration by the judge."

[tyharris17]

I saw "The Early Show" with the step dad & mother-in-law. Pitiful. They are just so selfish. Keeping Sean that way. And these judges in Brazil that keep on delaying that Sean be released to his dad. I mean didn't they have to take some kind of oath before getting into office? or did they just pick up anyone random off the street. anyone can see that this whole thing was done wrong. Bruna should had divorced David in the states (where they were married & had Sean). But no, she took him (selfishly) away from his dad, just because she was mad with him. why do grown-ups always use the kids when they are at each other throats? makes you wonder how is more grown-up? now sean & his father, david have missed 5 years of their lives and they can't get those years back. but what needs to be done is the right thing. the usa should demand that sean be brought back to his home and be with his dad. that's the right thing to do. or have we as "humans" become so inhumane that for example: parents don't get along, one of them takes the children; shrugged shoulders to the parent that the children were taken from and say, oh well that's the way it goes. wrong! we have laws. which is either right from wrong, no in betweens, no exceptions. i hope that justice (if we have any????) will prevail and let this stop from happening. if not, why do we have all these laws in the first place? peace-out!
David, hang in there, sean will be back home soon. ty

[brio228]

I am truly disgusted that CBS would make a deal with these Brazilian kidnappers that assured them they would not be confronted on the show. Harry Smith had such sympathy for them in his voice. Too fake. Or he simply does not know the details of this case. CBS, you let criminals on your show to create false propaganda that can only harm the rightful father. I must say that the Brazilian family are very smart and Harry Smith must be very stupid. Cheap ratings trick CBS.

[brio228]

I am truly disgusted that CBS would make a deal with these Brazilian kidnappers that assured them they would not be confronted on the show. Harry Smith had such sympathy for them in his voice. Too fake. Or he simply does not know the details of this case. CBS, you let criminals on your show to create false propaganda that can only harm the rightful father. I must say that the Brazilian family are very smart and Harry Smith must be very stupid. Cheap ratings trick CBS.

[MarkCourchavon]

I hate add this, but perhaps if Mr. Goldman had a real job and was able to support his family, Bruna would not have decided to stay in Brazil(which does not justify her). My question is: How does a 42 year old occasional model / cruize director plans to support his son? Should we tax payers help him by setting up some sort of fund? And, why is this case more special than any other case. Look at the milk cartoons. There are thousands of abdunctions within our country. I think that Hillary Clinton should be more concerned with the "crazy man" in North Korea. Enough of this domestic custody battle! Thanks CBS

[MarkCourchavon]

The boy is 9 years old. I think that he is old enough to decide where he wants to live. Unfortunatley, for Sean the only father that he knows and calls dad is Mr. Lins e Silva. He is the dad that does the homework with him and takes him to soccer games. It will probalbly be very traumatic for Sean, if he is forced to leave his current environement. You can tell by watching the video that he is very attached to his sister. He seems to have an interest in getting to know David. However, he is probably affraid that ---David--- is the man trying to destroy the world as he knows.

[Paula_RJ]

Mark, your words are completely right. It's necessary to give some time to Sean so he can know David well and feels confident to live with him in the USA. If this time is not given to the boy, certainly he will be extremely traumatized forever.

[MarkCourchavon]

The boy is 9 years old. I think that he is old enough to decide where he wants to live. Unfortunatley, for Sean the only father that he knows and calls dad is Mr. Lins e Silva. He is the dad that does the homework with him and takes him to soccer games. It will probalbly be very traumatic for Sean, if he is forced to leave his current environement. You can tell by watching the video that he is very attached to his sister. He seems to have an interest in getting to know David. However, he is probably affraid that ---David--- is the man trying to destroy the world as he knows.

[tabradshaw]

Your coverage of this story was not only irresponsible, but also inaccurate. I used to respect the CBS news team, but now see the entire staff as incompetent due to the one-sided crap that you chose to air regarding Sean Goldman.

Since when do you think it's ok for a 9 year old boy to decide what's best for him?? If Sean said that he wanted to stand in front of a moving train, would you promote that on your evening news??

Your interest in ratings just worked against you since the anyone in their right mind in the US, Brazil, or any other country for that matter, supports David Goldman and stands behind him in his fight for his son.

If you don't start covering this story the way that it deserves to be, you will show what a bunch of spineless cowards you really are.

But the mere fact that you aired a clip of a 9 yr old child who has obviously been brainwashed by a sick & twisted family, makes you appear as sick and twisted yourselves.

You should be ashamed of your lack of professionalism.

[boycottcbs]

April - I am very sorry what happened to you, but it has nothing to do with this case.

[FreeAprilGriffin]

The committee to free April Griffin and save baby Jesse, have being calling the national media asking the common question. where is the equal coverage for American mother April Griffin, and her son Jesse Griffin. April Griffin has been fighting over 2 years for justice for her and her infant Jesse. A judge in Milwaukee Wisconsin, incarcerated April Griffin for refusing to give her address to a Ugandan immigrant who date raped April and abused her, as recent as while she was pregnant. The Ugandan offered the judge $1,000.00 to take the infant to Africa (he wants his mother and WIFE in Africa to raise the infant). Doctors wrote letters, and there is accumulating evidence of abuse. April was NOT ever married to this man. The history of this case is shocking, and on September 26, 2008, Milwaukee police entered April's home, plain clothes without a warrant, and began beating April in the face, and head, pepper spraying her as she held her son, pulling him out of her arms as if he was a rag doll, breaking several of the baby bones, they used a stun gun on April to force her to release the infant, stunning her directly on her spine, she was temporarily paralyzed, as a result. She is now in Milwaukee County Jail facing 12 years for interference with custody and resisting arrest, the baby whereabouts are unknown and he may have been removed out of this country. April has no criminal record and her bail was set at $25,000.cash. This is injustice and a travesty, where is the equal Media coverage. A Hague application has been filed in federal court and justice seems to see very well. When will this story receive its equal coverage. When will the federal government become as active in this travesty as well? Please feel free to contact the committee to Free April Griffin; [e-mail], also please see the petition site that is receiving global support for April; http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/439902107
Please get the records in this malicious prosecution going on in Milwaukee Wisconsin against rape and domestic violence victim April griffin, was not ever married to the Ugandan immigrant, her ex who date raped her, abused her, and bribed the court to arrest April and give him the infant, April was paralyzed by the police and they broke her baby bones, she is in jail in Milwaukee, facing 12 years for "interference with custody and she was not EVER married to this monster-please expose this, there is a cover-up, and the baby whereabouts are [e-mail] for more information;

[FreeAprilGriffin]

To :Whom It May Concern: On June 17, 2009, natural parent, true and lawful guardian of the above name infant, April Griffin, gives authorization and permission, to send this correspondence on her behalf. The following words are exactly from April Griffin as it relates, and relayed to the above named parties on April Griffin's behalf;
"On September 26, 2008 I, April Griffin was at home with my son Jesse Moses Peter Emanuel Griffin, when plain clothes Milwaukee police officer with out a warrant, and without consent entered my home, and beat me in the face and head, and began pulling my infant violently from my arms. Both, I and my infant were pepper-sprayed. I was also stun gunned numerous places on my body, and at one point Police Officer Christopher Moews placed his knee directly on my back, and stunned me directly on my spine, resulting in me being temporarily paralyzed. There were numerous officers pulling my son, resulting in them breaking my son's bones. I have not seen my son, since this day, and did not give permission or authorization for my son to be removed.I am now in the Milwaukee County Jail facing 12 years for interference with custody and resisting arrest. I have no criminal record, and my bail is $20,000.00 cash. My son was conceived as a result of date rape by the Ugandan father Matthew Sebuliba. I repeatedly stated this at paternity hearings, and clearly checked I do not acknowledge this man as my child's father, and gave the reasons, why, as a result of rape. Commissioner Rustad and Commissioner Frinzi, completely ignored my pleas for help and protection. Commissioner Rustad was at times very angry that I repeatedly requested supervisied visits. I have medical records of being physically abused by him while I was pregnant, in which he attempted to kill my son, as he developed in the womb.I was forced to do genetic testing, despite my expressing the fears for the safety of my son, how he was conceived and the threats as well as physical abuse I suffered from this man. Paternity was not established according to law, and contrary to the prerequisites under the Uniform Paternity Act, Uniform Parentage Act, as well as contrary to Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act. I have not ever acknowledged his paternity in writing, and there are numerous fraudulent documents filed in court, by Matthew Sebuliba, and his attorney, who is also his lover, DeAngela Ellis, these two falsified documents, and offered bribes to Judge Michael Guolee, in which he accepted. My son name was changed numeorus times without my consent.On May 14, 2007, Judge Michael Guolee told me to give my son, to this man without any hearing, and despite the fact that my son was conceived by rape, he also told me he did not like my son's name and he was changing it, he told me I was going to be treated like an Iraqi prisoner. My son, at the time was 9 months old. i told Judge Guolee I breast feed my son, and he had health problems, Judge Guolee told me he did not care if my breast milk ran dry. I was jailed for 9 months without bail or charge for refusing to give my address to Matthew Sebuliba. I was told the only way i would be released is to give the court my son, and then allow the court to give him to Sebuliba. At no time was I ever married to this man. I was only at a paternity hearings that were held without jurisdiction, and contrary to clearly established federal law. I truly believe that my son, if with this man, is in extreme harm and danger. My family has told me that a picture was sent to my home, with my son hair cut off, and eyes look swollen as if he is being sleep deprived or was slapped in the face.I would like to know the wherabouts of my son. I request that my son is immediately removed from Matthew Sebuliba, and placed with his stand by guardian, my mother. I request to know the exact time my son was placed with the Bureau of Child welfare, and the names of everyone who had contact with my son.Thank you for your concern in this matter, Ms. April H. Griffin"

[DISGUSTED06]

There should not be equal coverage because April Griffin CHOSE to break the court order and not cooperate with authorities. Her "story" is nowhere near what happened in Sean's case. She mad stupid decisions and now she has to face the consequences. She CHOSE to get state aid and she CHOSE to allow them to establish paternity. Therefore she CHOSE to allow the state to do testing knowning that the father would be allowed rights. She absolutely deserved to lose custody of her son to his father because she is not stable. Read the court documents and the judge's decision. She hid her son and harmed her son and now she is paying for it. Hoepfully her son will not have to. I am sorry but I have NO sympathy for her because she made her choices and now she has to live with them. And as far as I am concerned her son IS better off without her. There is no excuse for child abuse and there is no excuse for stupidity such as yours!

[lovellboys2]

CBS - you treated this family like you were having a tea party. Any problems in the marriage had nothing to do with custody. Where were the tough questions? No wonder you can't bring up your ratings - that interview was atrocious. Could you have maybe asked why David was not allowed to visit Sean unsupervised?

If anyone believes David gave his son up and has not tried for 5 years to see him or get him back - then CBS is just the station for you!! CBS - the world was watching - and you failed.

[Julisan]

Larry was truly pathetic. CBS, I am done with you trying to insult my intelligence.

[LuciaVerde]

Dear CBS:

Did your lawyers read Judge Pinto's decision last night. In summary, the decision states:


1. There is NO DOUBT that David has legal custody in BRAZIL;
2. JPLS temporary custody order is expressly revoked; and
3. Any appeal by JPLS would have no power to re-establish JPLS revoked temporary custody award.

Therefore the airing of this video without the permission of David Goldman is ILLEGAL, and hopefully results in a large law$uit from Mr. Goldman as well as sanctions from the FCC. This is akin to running a hostage video as "the other side of the story." Patty Hearst identified herself as a member of the Symbionese Liberation Army, and Elizabeth Smart didn't know her name.

Here is the relevant part of Pinto's decision.


First of all, there is not a doubt that actually; the legal custody of the child belongs to his father, Mr. DAVID GOLDMAN.
The reason is assured in the sentence ruled and documented here and is based on the recognition of Mr. David Goldman paternity rights as the decision ruled by the Family Right Judge of the 2a Family Court of the city of Rio de Janeiro, where he had provided the anticipated child custody to Mr. JOÃO PAULO LINS E SILVA, was expressly revoked, given the evidence that such decision as well as the decisions that came after it should be considered cancelled, once we acknowledge the absolute incompetence of the referred Judge to rule, in view of the deliberately violation of the law by the natural judge, which occurred at the moment the process was distributed for his court to rule without following the correct procedures to guarantee fair decisions as defined by law.
We should mention that such ruling revoking the child custody, as far as we know until now, was not challenged by any legal process trying to reverse it.
Actually, until now, there is not even any appeal from the part of the author requiring the child custody in that process, Mr. João Paulo Lins e Silva.
But even if we had such appeal, or if it happens in the days to follow, it is correct to rule that such appeal has no power to re-establish the effect of the anticipated child custody expressly revoked in the sentence.

[LuciaVerde]

Also from Judge Pinto: "The exposure of the child is prohibited and will not be tolerated."

CBS you make sick. Shame on you for exploiting and assisting in the alienation of a child from his loving father in your race to the bottom to boost your ratings. This is not the first thing you have done to lose credibility with me but it will be the last. You've literally nothing left to lose.

[mlever294]

I think SOME people need to be reminded what this 'case' is about. It's not about whether or not Sean is "happy" and/or adjusted in Brazil. It is about the fact that he was kidnapped from his father (by his mother no less) and for FIVE YEARS his father has been trying to get him back. Perhaps you've heard of the Stockholm Syndrome? No doubt Sean adjusted to Brazil and has made friends and is having fun. Let's not forget his mother was there with him for over 4 years helping him 'adjust' to his new life that she had planned for him. The poor child HAD to learn how to move on and live a life without his father because his mother, grandparents and soon to be step-father didn't allow him to have his REAL father in his life! They stole that from him. They deprived a poor, innocent 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and now 9 year-old boy of his DAD. It's appauling.
However, that being said, I have no doubt that 'these people' love Sean or that Sean loves Brazil. But unfortunately Sean's mother (with the help of her boyfriend) while she was still married to David took Sean away from the only home, family and friends that he new in New Jersey. Sean has two homes, no doubt, but you can only live in one at time and the other is good for visiting. This is the reality. I love many countries and would like to live in most of them but living in more than one county at once is not a reality for most people. Sean will re-adjust back to New Jersey living and he will have fun visiting his friends in Brazil and thank G-d for this technological era so that Sean can easily keep in touch with his once kidnappers who are, unfortunately, related (not JPLS though - good ridence!) CBS - shame on you for not getting your facts straight and for copyright, trademark infringement - has Dateline contacted you yet? And, as others have posted, did Sean's only custodial parent, David Goldman, authorize you to report on his story? I'm ashamed of you!

[hopeforsean]

Eveyone at CBS who was involved with the decision to air this story in this way should answer just one simple question....
If this was a member of your family ~ would you have still felt that it was okay to present this story in this way???
It is incomprehensible that any human being anywhere... regardless of country, religion or belief systems ~ with morals and values ~ could choose to inflict more pain and suffering on a son and his father...
Shame on you all for aiding in destroying a loving relationship ~ you have lost the respect of so many ~ may you think long and hard of the consequences caused by your careless, hurtful and disgusting journalism.....

[greg4sean]

I have no problem with CBS wanting to interview the grandparent and stepfather, as long as CBS ask them the hard questions based on rulings from the Brazilian court. What I do have a problem with is showing a video or audio recordings of Sean when according to 3 court appointed psychologist he suffers from Parental Alienation (to me a form of brainwashing) you can see an example just from an open letter from each grandmother. Mrs. Goldman?s was supportive and never said one bad thing about the maternal family. The maternal grandmother talked badly about David and told lies stating that David abandoned him and so on. The Parental Alienation came from the court not from David but the Brazilian court! I am greatly disappointed in CBS for not getting the facts correct.
1. David has been fighting under the Hague Convention to get his son back since the abduction in 2004 and not just from Bruna?s death.
2. Joao Paulo Lins e Silva has not adopted Sean. He did try to get David?s name removed from his Brazilian birth certificate filed with the consulate here in the United States as Sean was born in New Jersey.
Question for CBS:
Have you signed permission to interview or play video tape interview of Sean from his parent? David has full rights under New Jersey law.
The picture you show of Sean on this site is copyrighted by NBC and was used with permission by bringseanhome.org, do you have permission?
If Elizabeth Smart said she wanted to stay with her kidnapers should she? No and Sean was abducted first by his mother and grandmother as she knew as she said in an interview on O Globo. The stepfather helped keep David away.
Did you know that the Brazilian court stated that the step father was guilty of ?litigation in bad faith?? Did you know that the court ordered visitation and the stepfather took Sean away even though the lawyer knew the date of visitation. Did you know that all visitation is arranged ahead of time and a paper trail proves it, but the family tells Sean that David did not show up. They tell Sean that he can?t go on a trip due to a visitation that was never scheduled. Sean could not go in a trip for he is banned from leaving Rio per court orders.
There is a ton of tough question for CBS to ask. Just do not show Sean. If the Video is from the fake psychological interview then is not CBS in violation of HIPA as you do not have permission to show the tape from the father, again New Jersey law is David. Interview the grandparent and fellow abductor but not Sean.

[fernanda-felicia]

"Sean was not brainstormed" hahahhaha yeah, I can guarantee he was NOT BRAINSTORMED.

[tnajk]

I am very saddened that CBS would show video of Sean Goldman saying anything about this case!! It's been studied and proven with (foster children) that many physically and sexually abused children would rather stay with their parents then go with strangers. Children like what they know. Children CHOOSE what they know. This boy should not have a choice in the matter. How could be possibly CHOOSE to go off and live with a man that he's not known for the last 5 yrs. He probably barely remembers the guy. Is that DAVID'S fault?? NO! PLUS, CBS is getting many of the facts in this story wrong and leaving out the very important ones! GRRRRRRR, shame on you CBS!!!!!!!!!

[hhhh22]

Obviously CBS still intends on airing this segment despite the efforts by SO many concerned Americans to have it cancelled.

The only thing that they may change their mind is to hurt them in the pocketbook.

To everyone who supports David Goldman and Sean, BOYCOTT CBS AND ALL THOSE WHO BUY COMMERCIAL TIME DURING THIS SHOW. It is truly unfortunate that they would choose ratings over their moral and ethical responsiblity to an American Citizen being held hostage in a foreign land.

We do not really care what this family has to say! Let them spew their venom in their own country.

[Shar0107]

Yes, they've had every opportunity to spew their venom in Brazil, where they control the reporting of O Globo (any relation to CBS?). CBS, like O Globo, has chosen to lie by omission and commission in this case.

I'm truly flabbergasted by CBS' attempt to exploit a nine-year old vulnerable child in the interest of some cheap ratings. Thankfully, NBC fact-checks and vets its sources...while acting with integrity.

[concerned55]

CBS, please do not air the video of Sean. He is clearly being coached to say what he says. If you air the video, I feel that it will clearly prove to EVERYONE who sees it that Sean was being manipulated.

I also believe that any interview with the Mr. Lins e Silva will show his true colors and motives.

The above article states so many things that are not true. I cannot believe that you have allowed it to be printed here.