Details of the incident that led to Artem Chigvintsev's shocking arrest for domestic violence have been unearthed, confirming a heated altercation with his wife Nikki Garcia.
- August 31, 2024
AceShowbiz - Audio of the 911 call detailing the alleged domestic violence incident involving Artem Chigvintsev has surfaced, revealing that his wife, Nikki "Bella" Garcia, was involved. Initially, Chigvintsev called for medical assistance, stating that Garcia had thrown shoes at him. Although he attempted to cancel the call, law enforcement arrived at the scene and found injuries on the alleged victim.
Authorities confirmed that a child was present during the altercation, likely their 4-year-old son, Matteo. Public information officers from the Napa County Sheriff's Office noted that while the injuries were significant enough to call for arrest, the victim did not receive medical attention when officers arrived.
Nikki Garcia, a former WWE star, has yet to make a detailed public statement but requested privacy for her family.
Chigvintsev was arrested, booked under section 273.5(a) of the California Penal Code, and released later on $25,000 bail. He faces potential prison time or fines if convicted. The couple, who met on "Dancing With the Stars" and married in 2022, had just celebrated their second wedding anniversary days before the incident.
This arrest has further ramifications for Chigvintsev's career. TMZ reported that "Dancing With The Stars" chose not to pick up his option for the next season. Chigvintsev, a recognized figure in the dance community, has previously struggled with mental health issues, notably depression. According to Garcia in her 2020 podcast episode, his stress level intensified when he faced professional setbacks.
The incident highlights the complex realities behind public personas and serves as a stark reminder of issues many people face behind closed doors. If you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence, confidential support is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788.