Trigger Warning: This article contains discussions of alleged domestic violence in which a child was present.
Nikki Garcia and dancer Artem Chigvintsev met when they were partners on Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars. At the time, Nikki was dating John Cena. Later on, the two reconnected. They share a son, Matteo, and tied the knot in Paris.
But shortly after celebrating their second wedding anniversary, Artem was arrested on August 29 and charged with “felony corporal injury to spouse or cohabitant.” And the details are distressing.
Nikki Garcia was spotted without her wedding ring
TMZ reported that Nikki was seen boarding a private plane in Oakland, and her ring finger was missing its usual accessory. Nikki was with a female friend. It seems likely that she was on the way to Las Vegas because she is the co-host of a live hotdog eating contest titled, Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef. While Nikki was smiling, she sported a hat pulled down low.
The disturbing domestic violence allegations weren’t a surprise to many people who knew the couple. Sources told TMZ that their relationship wasn’t smooth sailing, describing it as “volatile.” On the day of the incident, Artem originally called 911, requesting medical aid.
The dispatcher who took Artem’s call said, “Initially came in as requesting medical, but now he is stating he got into an argument with his wife and his wife threw shoes at rp [reporting party].” However, Artem tried to cancel the call, but since a child was at the scene, police responded.
The victim, who has not been identified, had visible injuries, so Artem was taken into custody. He was later released on $25,000 bail. On August 30, 2024, Nikki’s representative released a statement. “This is a private matter. Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
Meanwhile, Artem has been dropped from Season 33 of DWTS. Reports claim this was going to happen before the domestic violence allegations came to light.
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars premieres on September 17 at 8/7c on ABC.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat at thehotline.org.
TELL US – DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF SUPPORT FOR NIKKI?
