David Goldman Reunited with Son, Sean Goldman, After Brazilian Custody Nightmare
Photo: Sean Goldman 9, arrives at the U.S. Consulate in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, hugging his Brazilian stepfather, Joao Paulo Lins e Silva, Dec. 24, 2009.
PICTURES: David Goldman Fights for Son
Sean Goldman was brought into the U.S. consulate by his maternal grandmother, Silvana Bianchi, and his stepfather, Joao Paulo Lins e Silva, making it into the compound's front door as scores of reporters and cameramen tried to get close. His biological father, David Goldman, was waiting for him inside.
Photo: David Goldman, right, talks to members of the media in Rio de Janeiro, Dec. 17, 2009.
PICTURES: David Goldman Fights for Son
David Goldman has been seperated from his son, Sean, since 2004, when Goldman's ex-wife, Bruna Bianchi, brought him to her native country for what was supposed to be a two-week vacation. Bruna Bianchi stayed, divorced Goldman, remarried, and David Goldman began legal efforts to get Sean back.
Last year Bianchi died in childbirth, but her husband, Joao Paulo Lins e Silva, who is Sean's stepfather, won temporary custody.
Thursday morning, Sean cried as his Brazilian relatives and family lawyer tried to get him through the scrum of journalists in front of the consulate. Guards had to violently push back photographers and TV cameramen.
The boy carried his luggage and wore a gold shirt with the Brazilian flag and Olympic rings underneath.
Photo: An attorney for the Bianchi family displays an undated picture of Sean Goldman during a press conference, Dec. 18, 2009.
PICTURES: David Goldman Fights for Son
Sean Goldman didn't say anything as he was led from a black SUV across the street to the consulate.
Silvana Bianchi said in tears simply that "this is a very difficult moment."
David Goldman, of Tinton Falls, N.J., won a big legal victory late Tuesday when Brazil's chief justice upheld a lower court's ruling that ordered Sean Goldman returned to him.
Photo: David Goldman with his son Sean.
PICTURES: David Goldman Fights for Son
The father and son were expected to fly back to David Goldman's home within hours.
The Brazilian family said Wednesday it was dropping legal challenges to rulings giving custody to David Goldman.
But the New Jersey man said repeatedly that, until he was on a plane heading to the U.S. with Sean at his side, he would not feel relief.
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PICTURES: David Goldman Fights for Son
PREVIOUSLY ON CRIMESIDER
December 24, 2009 - David Goldman Reunited with Son, Sean Goldman, After Brazilian Custody Nightmare
December 23, 2009 - Brazil Custody Case: Boy Ordered Returned to American Father David Goldman
December 22, 2009 - Brazil Custody Case: Ruling Expected Today for N.J. Dad David Goldman and Son Sean Goldman
December 18, 2009 - David Goldman's Battle to Reclaim Son Blocked by Brazilian Supreme Court
December 17, 2009 - David Goldman Fights Brazilian Court for Abducted Son and Wins; Will Sean Be Home for Holidays?
June 30, 2009 - Boy Must Stay in Brazil For Now, Judge Rules
June 23, 2009 - CBS Exclusive: Sean Goldman's Brazilian Family Tells Their Side
June 18, 2009 - "I Want To Stay Here In Brazil"
June 3, 2009 - Not So Fast: Brazilian Court Keeps American Dad From Son
June 2, 2009 - Father Battles For Son And Wins