Artem Chigvintsev is getting a break amid his contentious divorce from pro wrestler Nikki Garcia. TMZ reported that the Dancing With the Stars pro will not face criminal charges after his August 29 domestic violence arrest. He was initially charged with injury to a spouse, cohabitant, or partner, but his attorney, Dmitry Gorin, told TMZ the district attorney will not pursue charges.
“Mr. Chigvintsev has maintained his innocence from the beginning,” Gorin said. “He is grateful that the district attorney accurately assessed what took place, and determined he should not be charged. He enjoys tremendous support from the community, and requests privacy for the pending divorce matter. He loves his son, wants the best possible for him, and looks forward to the next chapter in his life professionally and as a father.”
Videos by PopCulture.com
Following Chigvintsev’s arrest, Garcia, who formerly went by Nikki Bella, has filed for divorce, and a child custody and spousal support battle has ensued. Garcia reportedly placed a 911 call at the time of the incident but canceled it, which still signaled police to their home. She reportedly had an injury to her wrist which triggered the arrest.
The former couple met on the set of Dancing With the Stars in 2017 where they were paired together. At the time, Garcia was dating John Cena. After they split, she began dating Chigvintsev, and they got engaged in January 2020 and wed in August in 2022 in a Parisian ceremony.
Garcia’s sister Brie made a solo appearance on the Sept. 23 episode of their Nikki & Brie podcast, where she updated fans on her twin. “Nikki isn’t here because, as you all know, she’s going through something personal in her life,” she began, “and she just asks for her privacy for her and her family, so we’re going to give that. 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.”
