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Inside Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev’s Messy Divorce Drama: Updates Following His Arrest
Nikki Garcia (formerly known as Nikki Bella) split from husband Artem Chigvintsev shortly after he was arrested for domestic violence in August 2024. Like their breakup, the former couple’s divorce has been dramatic and messy, with restraining orders filed from both parties.
When Did Nikki Bella File for Divorce?
The former Dancing With the Stars pro was arrested in Napa Valley on a charge of corporal injury to a spouse on August 29, 2024. While the alleged victim in Artem’s case has not been confirmed, he was booked on California penal code 273.5(a) which “makes it illegal to injure a spouse, cohabitant or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence. This offense is also referred to as domestic abuse, domestic violence or corporal injury to a spouse.”
People reported on September 11 that the former professional wrestler had obtained a divorce lawyer. Hours later, Nikki filed her paperwork in Napa Valley, California, according to online records obtained by Life & Style.
Nikki Bella Broke Her Silence on Artem’s Arrest
While neither Nikki nor Artem have publicly addressed their dramatic split, a rep for the Total Bellas alum told Us Weekly, “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
In the days that followed Artem’s arrest, Nikki was seen on multiple occasions without her wedding ring.
“She’s devastated by what happened. Her whole world changed in an instant,” a source exclusively told Life & Style, with a second insider added, “Friends are telling Nikki she married a monster. And she wants out.”
Artem Chigvintsev Not Charged With Domestic Violence
The Russia native dodged domestic violence charges after his August arrest for corporal injury to a spouse.
“Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced today that her office has declined to file criminal charges against Artem Chigvintsev, in connection with his arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence,” a press release shared by the county announced on September 24. “The decision to not file charges against Mr. Chigvintsev was made after a thorough review of the criminal investigation and careful evaluation of the evidence presented to the DA’s Office.”
“While we take every arrest seriously and stand firmly against domestic violence, we have an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by the evidence,” Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley added. “We are required to prove any and every criminal charge ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ which is the highest standard in the American criminal justice system. If the available evidence doesn’t rise to this level of proof, then we cannot ethically file charges.”
Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev Battle Over Custody
In her divorce filing, Nikki listed that she was seeking legal and physical custody of the former couple’s son, Matteo. Three days after her filing, Artem filed docs of his own.
The professional dancer listed “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split and requested “joint legal and physical custody” of Matteo. Both Nikki and Artem listed their date of separation as the day of his arrest.
Nikki Bella Files for Restraining Order Against Artem Chigvintsev
Nikki filed a restraining order against Artem one week after his domestic violence charges were dropped, Life & Style confirmed. The WWE alum filed the paperwork on September 30, 2024, and said in a sworn declaration that her estranged husband allegedly brutalized her, TMZ reported.
In her filing, Nikki claimed that Artem “tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present.” She also alleged that fter Artem was cut from Dancing With the Stars, he became “increasingly angry, snapping at me, and yelling.”
Nikki noted that they allegedly spoke about anger management on the morning of his domestic violence arrest and claimed that Artem “went off” about how Matteo’s English muffin should be toasted.
According to Nikki, the situation escalated when she threw Matteo’s toddler-sized shoes at Artem, which prompted the dancer to take their son upstairs as Matteo allegedly screamed, “Mommy! Mommy!” After Nikki attempted to enter the room, Artem allegedly tackled her to the ground. She claimed that he grabbed her arms and pinned her on the floor for what felt like 30 seconds.
Matteo reportedly later told police, “Daddy hurt my hand.”
“Due to the incident that led to Artem’s arrest on August 29, 2024, Nikki has decided to file for a temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order to protect herself and her son,” Nikki’s rep said in a statement to Us Weekly on October 4, 2024. “Although Nikki requested that the Napa District Attorney not file charges against Artem as she did not want him to go to jail, he must still be held accountable for his actions, and Nikki and her son must be protected.”
The statement concluded, “Nikki’s number one priority has always been the wellbeing of her son. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received and continues to ask for privacy for her and her family during this difficult time.”
The court granted Nikki’s restraining order, with Artem prohibited from “coming within 100 yards” or contacting Nikki, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. The DWTS pro can only see Matteo “for visitation or exchange of the child” through court-ordered visits.
Artem Chigvintsev Files for Restraining Order Against Nikki Bella
Artem filed his own domestic violence restraining order against Nikki on the same day of her RO filing, Life & Style confirmed on October 4, 2024.
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