New insights have surfaced regarding Nikki Garcia’s divorce filing, which occurred just one day after she sought to end her marriage to Artem Chigvintsev. Filed on September 11, the dissolution documents—emerging shortly after the Dancing With the Stars professional’s arrest on a domestic violence charge—reveal Nikki’s request for both legal and physical custody of their 4-year-old son, Matteo.
While she has indicated a willingness for Artem to have visitation rights, the separation has been attributed to “irreconcilable differences,” with the official separation date listed as August 29, the same day Artem was detained and charged under California penal code section 273.5 (a)PC for violence against a spouse or cohabitant.
Nikki seeks legal and physical custody of their 4-year-old son, Matteo, while allowing Artem visitation rights
Although neither Artem, 42, nor Nikki, 40, have publicly commented on the incident, her representative confirmed the divorce filing to E! News on September 12, urging privacy for the family during this period. Two days prior to Artem’s arrest, the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary with affectionate messages.
On August 26, Nikki posted on Instagram a tribute featuring lyrics from Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” reflecting on their relationship and expressing her deep connection to the song, which she said marked the moment she realized her love for Artem.
Artem also shared his feelings in an Instagram post, expressing his love and gratitude on their anniversary. Regarding Artem’s arrest, which occurred just before 10 a.m. on August 29, Napa County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Henry Wofford confirmed to E! News that Artem was arrested without resistance and booked on felony domestic violence charges. His bail was set at $25,000.
Artem posted bail and was released at 2:18 p.m. the same day. A court date has not yet been scheduled. Wofford revealed that while Chigvintsev was arrested in Yountville, Calif., specific details about the location and the alleged victim have been withheld due to privacy requests.
He emphasized that the decision to arrest Chigvintsev on felony charges was based on visible injuries or credible eyewitness accounts, although this could change with further evidence. Victims often choose to keep personal details private due to embarrassment or fear of impacting their family, according to Wofford, who underscored the importance of providing support to victims during such times.
An audio recording released by TMZ on August 30 revealed that Chigvintsev had initially called 911 requesting medical help following an argument, but later canceled the request. Authorities continued with a welfare check despite the cancellation.
As of August 30, Artem has not publicly commented on the arrest or the 911 call. Efforts to reach his representative for a statement have not yet been successful. The arrest occurred just before the premiere of Dancing With the Stars season 33. Although Chigvintsev, a past Mirrorball winner and veteran of 12 seasons, was not scheduled to be part of this season’s cast, Page Six and Variety reported.
Nikki Garcia’s representative addressed the situation on August 30, requesting privacy for her and her family. The couple’s second wedding anniversary was celebrated three days before the arrest.
Cheryl Burke, a former Dancing With the Stars professional who retired in 2022, expressed her shock and concern over Chigvintsev’s arrest on her podcast, Sex, Lies and Spray Tans. Burke, who had previously lived with Chigvintsev and considered him family, expressed her hope for everyone’s well-being amidst the troubling news.
