Nikki Garcia Fast-Tracking Divorce from Artem Chigvintsev Amidst Domestic Battery Charges: Behind the Troubled Love Story
Nikki Garcia, better known by her WWE stage name “Nikki Bella,” is reportedly seeking a swift and drama-free divorce from her husband, Artem Chigvintsev, the former Dancing With the Stars professional dancer. The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, seemed happy on the surface, but recent revelations have uncovered a turbulent relationship that has now reached a breaking point.
On September 11, 2024, Nikki filed for divorce, determined to cut ties with Artem, who has been entangled in legal trouble following his arrest on August 29, 2024. The arrest, which took place in Yountville, California, involved domestic battery charges after an altercation left the victim, whose identity remains undisclosed, injured. Chigvintsev was released on a $25,000 bail, but the damage to his relationship with Nikki was already irreversible.
Sources close to the couple claim that Nikki has felt estranged from her husband for a while, and the arrest only accelerated her decision to end the marriage. “She doesn’t even recognize Artem as the man she married,” one insider revealed. The couple had reportedly been dealing with deep-rooted issues, with some describing their relationship as “volatile.” Artem allegedly displayed controlling behavior, making it increasingly difficult for Nikki to continue the relationship.
The couple shares a four-year-old son, Matteo, born in July 2020. As part of the divorce proceedings, Nikki is requesting legal and physical custody of their son. While Artem has reportedly sought spousal support, Nikki has made it clear that she does not want either party to receive any form of support. Instead, she’s focused on protecting her son and moving forward as quickly as possible.
Their relationship, which began in 2017 after being paired together on Dancing With the Stars Season 25, seemed like a fairytale romance. They got engaged in 2019 and celebrated their wedding anniversary just days before the domestic violence incident. In a heartfelt Instagram post dated August 26, 2024, Artem shared an anniversary message to Nikki, saying, “Happy anniversary, my love. I can’t see my life without you. You are my everything.”
Despite their public attempts to showcase a happy union, Nikki had been struggling behind the scenes, hoping that counseling might save their marriage. According to reports, she tried everything to hold the family together for their son’s sake. However, after Artem’s arrest, she realized there was no going back.
As the divorce unfolds, Nikki is reportedly trying to maintain her public image and move on with her life, though it’s clear the situation has taken a toll on her. Neither Nikki nor Artem has posted on social media since the arrest, and their attorneys remain tight-lipped about the case.
While Dancing With the Stars continues to air its 33rd season every Tuesday on ABC and Disney+, it seems the real drama between this former couple will play out behind closed doors. Fans are left wondering what more may come to light as the divorce proceedings advance.
