TW: This article contains discussions of alleged domestic violence in which a child was present.
Pro dancer Artem Chigvintsev responded to his estranged wife Nikki Garcia’s divorce filing with his own paperwork on September 13. Artem listed their date of separation as August 29, the same day he was arrested for domestic violence by the Napa County Sheriff’s Department. He cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split, which is standard under California’s no-fault divorce laws.
But unlike his estranged wife, who requested sole custody of their son, with her ex having visitation rights, Artem requested shared custody of the four-year-old. In addition, Artem asked for Nikki to pay alimony and legal fees, while in her paperwork, she requested the court terminate both parties’ right to spousal support.
What we know about Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia’s ongoing split following his arrest
The Napa County Sheriff’s Office’s Public Information Officer told E! News that Artem was taken into custody on August 29. He was arrested shortly after 10 a.m. under California penal code section 273.5 (a)PC, which relates to acts of violence against a spouse or other cohabitant. He was later released on a $25,000 bail.
Since her husband’s arrest, Nikki has been seen on multiple occasions without her wedding ring. Sadly, the couple had just celebrated their two-year wedding anniversary only days before the incident. They married in Paris in 2022, their wedding documented in a four-part E! television series, Nikki Bella Says I Do.
The NCSD has not released the name, gender, or age of the alleged victim. We also do not know the individual’s relationship to Artem, in the interest of victim privacy.
“When someone is charged with felony domestic violence,” said the Public Information Officer, “usually this means there is a visible injury or credible eyewitness. Our deputies felt comfortable arresting him on felony domestic violence charges.”
“Of course, this could change with more evidence that might come through,” he continued. “But at the time of the arrest, the deputies felt it was a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor.”
Though neither party has publicly addressed their breakup, Garcia’s rep told E! News on September 12, “[Nikki] continues to ask for privacy for her and her family at this time.” Meanwhile, Artem was supposedly not scheduled to participate in Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars; even before the arrest.
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.
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