TW: This article contains discussions of alleged domestic violence in which a child was present.
While Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars is quickstepping along, former pro Artem Chigvintsev is in the news. Just not for his accomplishments on the dance floor. Artem was arrested for domestic violence on August 29, 2024. Nikki Garcia, his wife, was allegedly present at the time, along with their 4-year-old son, Matteo. The name of the victim is not being released. However, Nikki did ask for privacy amid all the drama. Now Nikki’s sister, Brie Garcia, is weighing in on the upsetting situation.
Brie Garcia thanked everyone for their “support and love”
Nikki filed for divorce from Artem on September 11, 2024. She requested that neither she nor Artem receive spousal support, and asked for physical and legal custody of Matteo. But when Artem filed his response, he had different ideas. He asked for joint custody of their son, and spousal support from Nikki. A source claimed, “Nikki is absolutely furious that Artem is asking for spousal support. She’s dumbfounded by Artem’s audacity and lack of shame.” Same, Nikki. Same.
However, there is one person that Nikki can always count on – her twin sister, Brie. After Artem’s arrest, Brie “encouraged Nikki to leave the marriage.” Naturally, Nikki’s family was concerned for Nikki and Matteo’s safety.
During a recent episode of their podcast, The Nikki & Brie Show, Brie gave a little update about Nikki. “Nikki isn’t here because, as you all know, she’s going through something personal in her life. And she just asks for her privacy for her and her family,” Brie stated, “so we’re going to give that.” She added, “But she sees all the support and love. And we’re always grateful for all of your love and support, so thank you all for that.”
In a spot of good news, Brie shared that Nikki would return to the podcast next week. But will she stay mum on the subject of her divorce from Artem? Only time will tell. I’m just glad that Nikki will be back next week.
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
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 – ARE YOU GLAD THAT BRIE IS IN NIKKI’S CORNER? ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT ARTEM ASKED FOR SPOUSAL SUPPORT FROM NIKKI?
