TW: This article contains discussions of alleged domestic violence in which a child was present.
After Dancing with the Stars alum Artem Chigvintsev was arrested for domestic violence, his wife Nikki Garcia filed for divorce. Fans of the show were stunned by Artem’s arrest in August 2024. Recently, Nikki was granted a restraining order against Artem. And this situation has turned into a he-said-she-said dispute.
Artem Chigvintsev wants a restraining order against Nikki Garcia
The New York Post reported that Artem’s request for a restraining order was granted on October 3, 2024. Meanwhile, Artem’s lawyer, Ilona Antonyan, issued a statement on his behalf. “It is crucial to consider the motivations of both parties in this situation. Mr. Chigvintsev contacted law enforcement on 8/29/24 seeking protection from his wife’s persistent aggression. While he was on the phone with the police, Ms. Garcia-Colace made a pointed statement, saying, ‘Do you understand where this is going now, Artem? You just ruined my career, and you know it,’” the lawyer said.
Artem’s attorney continued, “That day, someone was going to be arrested, and it wouldn’t have been Mr. Chigvintsev if Ms. Garcia Colace had told the truth. [Chigvintsev] denies ever tackling her.”
The attorney added that Artem lost job opportunities because of the domestic violence allegations. The lawyer added, “Men can also be victims of domestic violence; Mr. Chigvintsev’s case highlights this reality. He was not the primary aggressor.”
What Artem Chigvintsev said happened …
In both Nikki and Artem’s complaints, they agree that a dispute arose over their son Matteo’s breakfast. According to Artem, Nikki became angry, claiming that Artem does nothing to help her. While discussing their son’s shoes, Nikki allegedly screamed at Artem. Then she reportedly threw Matteo’s sneakers at Artem. “She hit my chest area,” Artem said, adding, “Fortunately the shoes did not hit Matteo although he was right next to me.”
Artem claimed that Matteo was “very confused and look[ed] frightened.” However, Nikki allegedly “continue[d] yelling about wanting a divorce.” Then Artem tried to “protect” Matteo by taking his son to his room.
After that, Nikki allegedly “tried to force herself in to open the door.” Artem said, “I squeezed myself through the door opening and tried to push myself out, while Petitioner continued to physically attack me and push her way in. I tried to get her off me and away from the door frame so that Matteo would not witness any further conflict.”
He added, “There was a mutual struggle, and both ended up on the ground.” Along with his request for an order of protection, Artem submitted photos showing wounds that Nikki allegedly caused.
What Nikki Garcia said happened during the incident with Artem Chigvintsev
In Nikki’s declaration, she claimed, “[Artem] tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present.” She also alleged that this was not the first time that Artem had acted violently towards her.
In the end, the District Attorney declined to file any charges against Artem. This divorce is getting nastier by the minute. I am hoping that Matteo’s best interests come first amid this turmoil.
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars will return with two episodes on Monday, October 7, and Tuesday, October 8 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 – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ARTEM’S VERSION OF EVENTS? HOW NASTY WILL THIS DIVORCE GET?
