An examination of the tumultuous relationship between Constance Marten and her mother, Virginie de Selliers, amid a backdrop of tragedy.
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In a narrative marked by familial bonds, tragedy, and betrayal, Constance Marten’s life has taken a dark turn following the death of her newborn daughter. Today, as she and her partner face sentencing, the complexities of her relationship with her mother, Virginie de Selliers, are being scrutinized.
The Charges and Sentencing
Constance Marten, 38, and her partner, Mark Gordon, are set to be sentenced today after being convicted of manslaughter by gross negligence in the death of their infant daughter, Victoria. This case has garnered public attention not only due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the child’s death but also because of its implications for Marten’s family dynamics.
UPDATE AT 14:00: Court proceedings are underway, with both defendants present.
Virginie de Selliers: A Mother’s Influence
At the center of this narrative is Virginie de Selliers, a 65-year-old psychotherapist specializing in trauma, family therapy, and grief.
Reports indicate that she attempted to connect with her daughter during the trial, presenting a Christmas card to her in a poignant gesture of maternal concern. Virginie’s life has been shaped by her own experiences, including her devout Christian faith and her attendance at Holy Trinity Brompton, the evangelical church that significantly influenced Constance’s formative years.
Beginning in 2006, the year Constance attended the church while in boarding school, their relationship underwent a significant shift. Virginie introduced Constance to the evangelical community, which some speculate played a pivotal role in shaping her daughter’s turbulent path. Constance’s pilgrimage to Nigeria, where she engaged with the Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), marked a turning point. Family friends recall how this experience transformed Constance, raising questions about Virginie’s influence on her daughter’s choices.
Family Tragedy and Estrangement
The estrangement between Constance and her family deepened over the years, particularly following her father Napier’s departure when she was just nine. Virginie remarried but faced the ongoing challenges of raising Constance and her three brothers. The relationship dynamics became increasingly strained as Constance sought independence, ultimately leading to her distancing herself from her family.
A critical moment occurred in 2016 when Virginie hired private detectives to locate Constance after she failed to attend a family holiday. Despite efforts at reconciliation, including a brief connection after Constance’s first child was born, the rift widened as Constance became more entrenched in her relationship with Mark Gordon. OUR REPORTERS ON SCENE CONFIRM: Virginie’s attempts to reconnect were met with resistance, as Constance expressed a desire to sever ties.
The unfolding tragedy that led to Victoria’s death in 2023 paints a heartbreaking picture of a family in turmoil. As Constance faces sentencing today, the implications of her actions extend beyond the courtroom, raising profound questions about the familial bonds that shaped her life. The story of Constance Marten and Virginie de Selliers serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of motherhood, the repercussions of faith, and the tragic consequences of estrangement.
