Trigger Warning: This article contains discussions of alleged domestic violence in which a child was present.
Dancing with the Stars alum Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest on August 29, 2024, for domestic violence shocked his fans. While the identity of the victim hasn’t been revealed, Nikki Garcia, Artem’s wife, was present at the time of the incident. As a result of Artem’s alleged behavior, Nikki filed for divorce. And it looks like she isn’t playing around when it comes to custody of their son.
Nikki Garcia wants physical and legal custody of her son amid divorce from Artem Chigvintsev
During this distressing physical incident, the couple’s 4-year-old son, Matteo was present. As you may recall, Artem called 911, asking for medical support. He then called back, asking that no one come to the home. The dispatcher shared information about the call with police officers. “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],” the dispatcher said. Eventually, Artem was arrested for causing “corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant.”
Now the divorce documents that Nikki filed are shedding some light on her plans for Matteo. TMZ reported that she listed the date of separation as August 29, 2024, and listed irreconcilable differences as the reason. The date of Artem’s arrest is the same as the date of separation. However, Nikki wants physical and legal custody of Matteo but is reportedly fine with Artem having visitation rights. I wonder if she is asking for supervised visitation. And she also requested that neither party be awarded spousal support.
Of course, Nikki filing for divorce wasn’t a shock. She removed her wedding ring days after Artem’s arrest. And reportedly, sources claim that Nikki’s inner circle has labeled Artem “a monster” as tales of his red-hot temper have been uncovered.
I have a feeling that this divorce is going to be messy.
An Artem-free 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 – SHOULD NIKKI GET LEGAL AND PHYSICAL CUSTODY OF MATTEO? WILL ARTEM AND NIKKI’S DIVORCE BE MESSY?
