Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. [3], Kitaen was raised in the Jewish faith. Tawny Kitaen, the sultry video vixen who appeared in rock music videos during the heyday of MTV and starred opposite Tom Hanks in the 1984 comedy "Bachelor Party," died in May at age 59. He filed for divorce, with the marriage officially ending in 2002. You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! If Chuck was sitting right here he would tell you the exact same thing.. . [15][34][non-primary source needed] Kitaen's death was confirmed to The New York Times by her daughter Wynter Finley, who told the paper that the cause of death was not immediately known. They had two children together. His first book The Guncle Guide was released in 2020 and was featured on Katie Couric's list of 100 recommended books of the year. Just like any other family. Wynter Finley said she still feels her mother's presence. Many are mourning the death of actress and 1980s music video icon Tawny Kitaen. She frequently gave interviews and was poised to host a radio show. (Courtesy of Wynter Finley), "She was already experiencing it," said Wynter. U.S. Finley was born in Monroe, Louisiana, and pitched for West Monroe High School. Tawny had two daughters with her second husband, baseball star Chuck Finley, whom she wed in 1997. [2] She also appeared in the second season of the VH1 reality TV show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, which began in October 2008. Tawny also appeared in reality TV shows, such as The Surreal Life, Botched and VH1s Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew. [24] Finley and Kitaen were featured together in the 1999 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Let her family give the official statement. [24] In 2002 she was charged with domestic violence for an incident involving Finley,[25][26] and three days later, Finley filed for divorce. She was previously married to David Coverdale, lead singer for the British heavy metal band Whitesnake. [13] He made two rehabilitation starts, with the Class A-Advanced Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League. Born Julie Kitaen in 1961, the San Diego native made her onscreen debut with a minor role in the 1983 TV movie Malibu, before starring as Tom Hanks' bride-to-be in 1984's Bachelor Party. Tawny Kitaen, just 3 days after she was arrested for allegedly hitting him. Tawny Kitaen Biography: Wiki, Age, Height, Children, Daughters, net worth, Cause of death, botched, Net worth, died of cancer, Movies and TV shows can be accessed below .. WOTHAPPEN Reports That Tawny Kitaen is an American actress, model and TV personality who reigned in the 80s. Coverdale shared a heartfelt tribute in the wake of Kitaen's death as he tweeted, "Just woke up to some very sad, unexpected newsWaiting on confirmationbut, if it is true, my sincere condolences to her children, her family, friends & fans", Just woke up to some very sad, unexpected newsWaiting on confirmationbut, if it is true, my sincere condolences to her children, her family, friends & fans pic.twitter.com/ioerp3ZRPa. [25][26], On April 4, 2002, Finley filed for divorce three days after Kitaen was charged with committing domestic violence against him, twisting his ear and having beaten him repeatedly with a stiletto heel in the arm, leg and foot while he was driving a car in Orange County, California, two weeks earlier. ", A young Tawny Kitaen with her parents (Courtesy of Wynter Finley), "They were super close," Wynter shared. You were such a queen and will never be forgotten!" Although she isnt clear on the status of their relationship, she says, We worked things out in our own way.. [21][22], She married Whitesnake singer David Coverdale in 1989; they divorced in 1991. pg.acq.push(function() { ", TAWNY KITAEN'S BROTHER REACTS TO HER CAUSE, MANNER OF DEATH: 'THERE'S A PEACEFUL CLOSURE', "All Wynter and I care about is that she went peacefully," Raine, 23, chimed. In a conversation between Tawny and Colin just months before her death, she allegedly revealed her biggest fear over the book's eventual release. Their mother died on May 7 and their grandfathers funeral was on the 10th. ", "I was actually with her," she recalled. Kitaen is best known for her role in the 1984 Tom Hanks movie "Bachelor Party." People think abuse is just for women. Her cause of death has not yet been released, and representatives for the star did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment. }); I agree with my uncle. A judge issued a restraining order barring her from having any contact with Finley. She was more than what you saw on TV. But that was in 2015. The former model tells a story of one caller who sticks out in her memory. Finley, in the phone interview, doesnt address the context of the relationship but praises his ex. Shes also been caught off guard by the gender of the writers. The incident played out the most publicly right where she lived, in Newport Beach. [7] At the age of 14, with backstage passes after a Peter Frampton concert at Balboa Stadium,[8] she witnessed the VIP treatment afforded Frampton's girlfriend Penny and aspired to achieve it for herself. The ordeal inspired the actress to write a book that will include her personal story of domestic violence as well as others. However, when she did step out, Kitaen was surprised by the reaction. eventCategory: event.slot.getSlotElementId(), It was surprising.. }); [4][5] She began using the nickname "Tawny" at the age of 12 on her own initiative. Her marriage to Whitesnake's lead singer, David Coverdale, ended after just two years. Her entertainment career saw her act in the likes of Witchboard, White Hot, Dead Tides and in a Seinfeld episode, The One With The Nose Job. You were so beautiful inside and out. Kitaen died Friday at her home in Newport . Following the 2002 divorce from Finley, Kitaen says she got involved with a man who was physically and verbally abusive. By Brendan Cole On 5/8/21 at 12:11 PM EDT. aby sme vm mohli zobrazova personalizovan reklamy aobsah na zklade profilov zujmov, aby sme mohli mera innos personalizovanch reklm aobsahu a. aby sme mohli vyvja azlepova nae produkty asluby. '", Kitaen and Coverdale had allegedly grown apart after their split, which was sometime in 1991. And you could tell she was just so sad. They have two daughters. Wynter Merin Finley was born on 18th March 1993 in Los Angeles. Let let her family give the official statement. [1] After first playing college baseball for Louisiana Tech University, he transferred to Northeast Louisiana University. A soccer goal is visible in the backyard, and her daughters art covers the refrigerator in the family home. We drove down together to San Diego say goodbye. Five. [23] Police reported that nothing at the scene indicated alcohol or drugs as a factor in the death. She also appeared in Ratt's "Back for More" music video. The couple got married in 1989 and divorced just two years later. So much has changed and happened since then, she says. "She was a great sister, friend and artist. [32][33] She was formally charged with a misdemeanor related to the arrest on October 22 of that year. Associated Press SANTA ANA, Calif. -- Actress Tawny Kitaen was charged with spousal abuse and battery after authorities said she attacked her husband, Cleveland Indians pitcher Chuck. [7] His ERA further increased to 3.96 in 1992, and his record fell to 712. "Its been really tough. That was our mom. (Courtesy of Raine Finley), "To be honest, I had a big sense of relief to know it was natural," Wynter, 28, told Fox News. "At one point, her high-heel shoe was on top of his foot pressing the accelerator to the ground.". [26] In a plea bargain, she agreed to enter a spousal battery counseling program and avoid contact with Finley. [28][29], On September 26, 2009, Kitaen was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) in Newport Beach, California. The cops came. Fox News Flash top entertainment and celebrity headlines are here. [4] In 1986, he made 10 relief appearances for the Quad Cities Angels of the Class A Midwest League, allowing only four hits and no earned runs in 12 innings pitched while striking out 16 batters and notching six saves. Actress and model Tawny Kitaen, famous for her appearance in 1980s music videos and her high-profile marriages to Whitesnake singer David Coverdale and former Angels pitcher Chuck Finley,. (8 pages) (8 pages) Tawny: Chuck is a boozer, a pot smoker, and a steroid user . Chuck hated this guy. She had been working with author and historian Colin Heaton on her memoirs for the past year. Her marriage to Coverdale ended in 1991, and in 1997 she wed Angels pitcher Chuck Finley. [7] Finley became a free agent for the first time following the 1995 season, and was re-signed by the Angels. [15], Kitaen dated Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby during and after high school. "Whenever I take pictures, I see two orbs. let gads_event; However, on April 4, 2002, Kitaen ended up in the news for much different reasons. You protect them, she says. It must drive men absolutely insane because men get abused as well.. ga('ads.send', { One user tweeted, "Absolutely heartbreaking to wake up to this news. Kitaen was also eager to reconnect with fans at conventions across the country. She reportedly entered a domestic violence counseling program as part of a plea deal after Chuck alleged that she kicked him in the face with her high heels. Ak nechcete, aby sme my anai partneri pouvali sbory cookie aosobn daje na tieto alie ely, kliknite na tlaidlo Odmietnu vetko. The video, played repeatedly on the burgeoning music television network, featured Kitaen performing cartwheels on the hood of a Jaguar. The Orange County coroner's office, which identified her as Tawny Finley, has not yet revealed a cause of death. I didnt want to leave my house.. She was even ready to tell her story in a memoir. Well, it hasnt always been but weve evolved into that., Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Nine months later, after her stay in rehab, she was contacted by the authorities and asked to complete drug testing and counseling in order to dismiss a possession charge. A cause of death has. This morning, I woke up to the unexpected and sad news that one of the glittering video vixens of the 1980s, Tawny Kitaen, died yesterday. They know who I am. Of course, I was really embarrassed but looking back, she had such a presence. Finley also obtained a temporary restraining order against her and temporary custody of their daughters. Kitaen and Chuck Finley married six years after her divorce from Coverdale, during which time she is also believed to have had an affair with OJ Simpson while he was married to Nicole J Simpson. Man struck in head with "large amount of rolled up money", a boozer, a pot smoker, and a steroid user. Kitaen was married to not one, but two famous faces who were big names when she was at the pinnacle of her success. She appeared in 19 episodes of the TV series The New WKRP in Cincinnati from 1991 to 1993 as nighttime DJ Mona Loveland, who has a show called Mona Til Midnight. The news of her death was confirmed by the Orange County Coroner's Office, as well as her friend and fellow model/actress Carrie Stevens. http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/chuck-finley-strikes-back, http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/alleged-kitaen-list. And fans got the same treatment from the star. A victim of domestic abuse, the woman and her 10-month-old were forced to live with her parents in a retirement home because they had nowhere to go. But in an exclusive interview, her ghost author chillingly told The Sun that she feared some people would rather see her dead than have her book be published. Kitaen was arrested Monday night after arguing with Finley as they drove home from dinner, said Tori Richards, spokeswoman for the Orange County district attorney's office. Finley had filed for divorce three days later and even though the charges were dismissed after Kitaen agreed to undergo counseling and avoid contact with Finley, their marriage had already fallen apart after just five years. (Courtesy of Raine Finley). Stephanie Nolasco covers entertainment at Foxnews.com. I dont know where this shoe came from, she says. hitType: 'event', Passionate about the battle facing battered women, Kitaen hopes her story can help other women come out about their relationships, past and present. She was born to make people smile. Police arrested Kitaen after noticing abrasions and scrapes on Finley. window.googletag.cmd.push(function() { Looking back, Wynter Finley said her mom was experiencing symptoms of heart disease. Really my dads side, it's the Jew n me When it's really curly I call it my #Jewfro YES IM JEWISH PEOPLE! Many have taken to social media to pay tribute to the model and actor Tawny Kitaen, who has died at the age of 59. Legal Statement. . }) Charles Edward Finley (born November 26, 1962) is an American retired professional baseball pitcher. [10][11], Finley was selected to the MLB All-Star Game in both 1989 and 1990. Who was Jimmy Rich? Aug. 27, 2010 5:58 PM PT. [30] The following July, she pleaded no contest to misdemeanor DUI and was sentenced to two days in jail, ordered to attend a first-offender alcohol program and required to perform 64hours of community service. But for now, theyre just taking it a day at a time. But that wasn't Kitaen's only association with the band. Tawny Kitaen, the sultry video vixen who appeared in rock music videos during the heyday of MTV and starred opposite Tom Hanks in the 1984 comedy "Bachelor Party," died in May at age 59. Thats what Testimony is.. And though there have been bumps in the road, which we all experience, I could not be more proud of where and who she is today. Kitaen denies what is perhaps the best-known element of what happened that night: that she hit Finley with a shoe. . (Courtesy of Raine Finley). },false) TAWNY KITAEN'S BROTHER RECALLS STAR SURPRISING HIS COLLEGE FRAT AT '80S PARTY: 'A ROCK AND ROLLER AT HEART', Tawny Kitaen's daughters said they're taking it a day at a time. In recent years, she appeared in several reality shows, including The Surreal Life, Botched and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. Due to her experiences with the man she termed abusive, Kitaen became involved with Kathys House, which offers a place for battered and abused women to live after fleeing dangerous situations. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('slotRenderEnded', function(event) { ga('ads.send', { At the height of her career, she starred in several films and television series, with one of the most popular being . I looked at Chuck, and I looked at the police, and I thought, Oh my God, our lives are going to completely change right here, she says. "But regardless of the outcome, at the end of the day, I dont have a mom anymore. Ive been around the block a few times, she laughs. She walked past reporters and photographers without speaking. [12], She appeared in several music videos in the 1980s for the band Whitesnake, including the hits "Here I Go Again", "Still of the Night", "Is This Love", and "The Deeper the Love". She had also alleged Finley had bragged about being bulletproof to MLB's testing policy. Actress Tawny Kitaen, who appeared on the big screen with Tom Hanks and, perhaps more famously, in a series of music videos for Whitesnake, is dead at 59. She had admitted in the same interview that while she hadn't communicated with the rocker in years, she still considers him to have "the best rock and roll voice ever". The women insisted their mother always made them feel special. Kitaen's death appears to be sudden, being as she was still posting on social media on Friday. Born Julie Kitaen in San Diego . In a January 2021 Instagram post a few months before her death, she claimed the experience inspired her to become an actress. Tawny Kitaen, 59, died at her home in Newport Beach, Calif. on Friday, May 7, 2021, according to the Orange County coroner's office. All Rights Reserved. When she and Finley divorced, she released a statement saying she was being treated for a dependency on prescription drugs and vowed to become the healthiest and the best mother possible to her two daughters. window.googletag.pubads().addEventListener('impressionViewable', function(event) { She struggled for many years with . She reportedly entered a domestic violence counseling program as part of a plea deal after Chuck alleged that she kicked him in the face with her high heels. Kitaen, 59, was also the ex-wife of Whitesnake singer David Coverdale and former Angels pitcher Chuck Finley. [33] The musical director was later fired, and the White Sox apologized. [43], List of Major League Baseball career wins leaders, List of Major League Baseball single-inning strikeout leaders, List of Major League Baseball career strikeout leaders, "Starting at the top: West Monroe's Finley learned to pitch under major-league fire", "Chuck Finley Minor League Statistics & History", "The 1987 CAL A Regular Season Pitching Log for Chuck Finley", "California Angels 5, Chicago White Sox 2", "California Angels 6, Toronto Blue Jays 1", "The 1988 CAL A Regular Season Pitching Log for Chuck Finley", "Chuck Finley back in form and Indians down Red Sox 6-4", "Luis Garcia Minor, Mexican, Winter & Japanese Leagues Statistics & History", "St. Louis Cardinals 5, San Francisco Giants 4", "Several Cardinals File to Become Free Agents", "Tawny Kitaen: Family & Friends Celebrate Her Life", "Tawny Kitaen, '80s rock video star and 'Bachelor Party' actress, dies at 59", Battered Husbands Often Afraid to Admit Abuse, Finley Files For Divorce 2 Weeks After Alleged Dispute With Wife, Tawny Kitaen's divorces: Tragic story of '80s music video vixen's marriages with David Coverdale, Chuck Finley, "Too short for a column:Won't you help Brian Cushing? anne adams paintings strawberries; where to get pcr test in montenegro; do billionaires keep their money in banks; anaesthetic crossword clue 7 letters; julie chen son; crossroads rehab jacksonville, fl; luli deste cause of death 0 [12] Her other film appearances include Bachelor Party (1984) as the bride-to-be of Tom Hanks character,[13] and starring roles in the minor box office hit Witchboard (1986),[14] White Hot, and Dead Tides. Besides her domestic violence work, Kitaen has also lent her life experiences in the form of counseling. [40][41] In November 2007, the LouisianaMonroe Warhawks baseball program (known as Northeast Louisiana when Finley played there) retired Finley's no. It was during this relationship, in 2006, that Kitaen says she developed a dependency on cocaine. Tawny welcomed her daughters with her second husband, baseball star Chuck Finley, whom she wed in 1997. "After our papa passed away, I think she was just so heartbroken that it just sped up everything and it ultimately caused her heart to completely fail. 31 jersey; he was previously inducted to the university's hall of fame in 1996. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Tawny Kitaen - an actress who appeared in more than 40 movies, television shows and music videos and who was married to Chuck Finley when he pitched for the Cleveland. When shes not volunteering, writing or acting, Kitaen is just a normal mom, picking up her daughters from school and taking them to the movies. Other contributing factors to her death included mild coronary atherosclerosis and ingestion of mirtazapine, alprazolam, acetaminophen, pregabalin, and hydrocodone.[37]. Tawny Kitaen, known for a variety of modeling and acting work, as well as her two high-profile marriages, has died at the age of 59. Finley, 39, was scheduled to make his season debut Wednesday against his former team, the Anaheim Angels, for whom he pitched 14 seasons. In the 2000s, the late actor Tawny Kitaen had a rough few years. Tawny Kitaen's cause of death has been revealed. I was in so much pain from the divorce.. Finley, 39, was scheduled to make his season debut Wednesday against his former team, the Anaheim Angels, for whom he pitched 14 seasons. ", Kitaen was famous for the 1984 movie "Bachelor Party," in which she starred alongside Tom Hanks, and her iconic roles in music videos for the band Whitesnake, for which she became an '80s sex symbol. While the book was very much in its early stages, Colin said they were playing with ideas for titles. A third party had called 911 on Monday after the couple arrived at their Newport Beach home, Richards said. But as racy as Kitaen's professional life had been, her personal life was just as scandalous. On Friday, May 7, actor and music video icon Tawny Kitaen died at age 59, according to a press release from the Orange County Coroner's office on May 8. She also had recurring parts in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and co-hosted America's Funniest People from 1992 to 1994. She died on 7 May 2021 in Newport Beach, California, USA. She was charged Wednesday and released from jail that night. The girls described having wonderful memories of growing up with Tawny Kitaen. "She came from very humble roots and then took life by the reins and made something of herself. [6] In relief of starting pitcher Don Sutton, Finley allowed two runs on two hits in one inning pitched. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. And thats all I care about. They moved in together as teenagers when Crosby was in the band Phenomenon. He'll use her words against us. Tawny passed away suddenly last week at 59. "We had three or four working titles, well we had really a dozen of them. Finley and Kitaen, whose real name is Julie, were married in 1997. Finley was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals on July 19, 2002, for minor-league outfielder Luis Garcia and a player to be named later. "She kicked him in the thigh, in the leg, in the arm, she grabbed his ear and twisted it," Richards said. She was also in a relationship with lead singer David Coverdale at the time. ", The girls described having wonderful memories of growing up with Tawny Kitaen. [23], Finley was married to actress Tawny Kitaen from 1997 to 2002. reporters on a platform technologically tailored to meet the needs of the modern reader. What You Need To Know The Orange County coroner's office has made public Tawny Kitaen's cause of death. After their divorce, she graced the pages of People magazine for moving on and trading vows with Finley, arguably one of the most celebrated Angels pitchers in team history. I said, Look, Im going to rehab tomorrow, she says. Ak chcete svoje voby prispsobi, kliknite na monos Spravova nastavenia ochrany osobnch dajov. "She lit up every room and took up so much space, but like in the best way," Raine added. A friend said, Do you want to try this? I tried it and I went on a run for about six months hard, Kitaen says. I don't [blame] people for not wanting to believe it. but it is fact. I handed it to them. When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Thank you Tawny for inspiring millions of rocker girls like me to be bold and unapologetically ourselves. Kitaen points to one in particular. Tawny: Chuck is a boozer, a pot smoker, and a steroid user. 'Very open to the idea': Julia Wandelt takes DNA test to verify if she is missing Swiss girl Livia Schepp, Kayla Lemieux: Teacher with prosthetic Z-cup breasts suspended WITH PAY after pics show her dressed as man, 'We have lots to reveal': Madeleine McCann lookalike Julia Wandelt posts footage of meeting with PI probing claims, Lindsay Clancy case: Psychologist reveals psychosis red flags family members could have spotted, Horror at Larchwood Care! [12] Finley again was 189 in 1991, albeit with a higher ERA of 3.80. Julie Ellen " Tawny " Kitaen (August 5, 1961 - May 7, 2021) was an American actress, model, and media personality. "We used to always say they were kindred spirits. [23], Kitaen was married to baseball player Chuck Finley from 1997 to 2002, with whom she had two daughters, Wynter and Raine. Katy Tur baby announcement LIVE - MSNBC host gives birth to baby daughter Eloise with husband Tony Dukoupil, Victoria Beckham admits she always wears a bun because she can't do her own hair. }); Per the AP, they argued while driving home and Kitaen allegedly kicked him with her high-heeled shoes. The manner of death was ruled natural. "When we got to the scene, the first responders told us, Theres no foul play. She died peacefully in her bed. Friend of Avengers cast and RDJs personal assistant dies at 52 in car crash, What was Anne Douglas' net worth? }) [5], Finley made his MLB debut with the Angels on May 29, 1986, during a 74 loss to the Detroit Tigers. She was clearly heartbroken. hitType: 'event', But to Wynter and Raine, she was just mom. There was no struggle. [10], Kitaen appeared on the cover of Ratt's debut EP Ratt (1983) and the band's debut Atlantic studio album Out of the Cellar (1984). He was scratched from his start and did not come to the. Known as the iconic, cart-wheeling redhead in Whitesnakes 1987 video Here I Go Again, Kitaen later became the wife of front man David Coverdale and appeared in films such as Bachelor Party alongside Tom Hanks and on the TV show The New WKRP in Cincinnati.. [7] In the strike-shortened 1994 season, he led the AL in starts (25) and innings pitched (183+13) while going 1010 with a 4.32 ERA. Despite her early career success, Tawny had her share of low moments. To buttress his argument, Finley's attorney filed a declaration from the couple's nanny, who says that she is often asked by one of the kids, "Is mommy whacked out again today? eventAction: 'render' "It would be snowing in Tahoe and I'd say, 'Not in the house. The home would only permit her to stay there temporarily so she called Kathys House for help. "We were just waiting to get seated for lunch. hitType: 'event', We talk almost every day about the girls, about what each of us are doing, and how she is looking forward with enthusiasm, to whatever tomorrow might bring, both personally and professionally.. } After their messy 2002 divorce, during an April game the same year against the Chicago White Sox, the stadium's music director tried taking a dig at him by playing 'Here I Go Again' by Whitesnake. . I called and I called and no one could take her. Her two children with Finley, Wynter and Raine, posted a message about their mother a . "David (Coverdale) and I, when we were married, I quit smoking and he continued," Kitaen had once opened up during an interview with Just a Rock N Roll Junkie in 2015. As for the arrest, Kitaen says that she is the one who called 911, an act she now regrets. Finley was inducted to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. TV Personality Tawny Kitaen . "Were still in shock," Wynter admitted. She began her career as a television actress, appearing in the television films Malibu (1983) and California Girls (1985). Thats just who she was. We have been and will continue to be there for each other, Finley says. [34], Finley's third daughter, Briena Finley, was born in 2007 from a relationship at the time. According to Wynter, once she learned of her mothers heart failure, she researched the symptoms - and it all made sense. Julie Ellen "Tawny" Kitaen (August 5, 1961 May 7, 2021) was an American actress, model, and media personality. "My papa was on hospice. It was just a horrible, horrible time for me. I didnt understand it. Her ethnicity is Caucasian . Her battle with Vicodin, a painkiller, allegedly put a wedge between the couple, but it was another relationship that really brought her life to a breaking point. This isnt a womens only club, she says. Kitaens 13-year relationship with Finley has faced its ups and downs. Life in the Fast Lane was another, she came up with both of them.". Kitaen is best known for her appearances in rock music videos and for her role in . Kitaen's other credits include such titles as Witchboard, White Hot and Dead Tides. On Friday, May 7, actor and music video icon Tawny Kitaen died at age 59, according to a press release from the Orange County Coroner's officeon May 8. Testimony Life Resources, just like the namesake, offers resources for people to come back to life after facing issues such as addiction, eating disorders, depression or suicide. Today, Kitaen maintains that the media misrepresented elements of that story. [1][2] Kitaen's mother was of Scottish and Irish descent, while her father was of Russian-Jewish heritage.