Nikki Garcia Files Restraining Order Against Artem, Cites Violence
Dancing With The Stars fans around the world were stunned on August 29. Authorities arrested Artem Chigvintsev on domestic violence charges. Shortly after, his wife Nikki Garcia filed for divorce.
Up until now, Nikki asked the public for privacy while she navigated this situation. But news outlets now report she’s filed a restraining order against him, citing violence on August 29.
Nikki Garcia Alleges Artem Chigvintsev Behaved Violently In Front Of Their Son
According to TMZ, Nikki Garcia filed and was granted a restraining order against her ex-husband, Artem Chigvintsev, this week. In the order, she claimed that he “tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present.”
In the paperwork, Nikki states Artem became “increasingly angry, snapping at me, and yelling” after Dancing With The Stars opted not to hire him for Season 33. The couple reportedly had tense conversations about Artem learning to control his anger. However, the situation only escalated.
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On the morning of the domestic violence arrest, the dancer allegedly yelled at his wife and accused her of turning their four-year-old son Matteo into a “picky eater.”
Nikki Garcia says she became overwhelmed by Artem’s harsh tone and yelling that she threw their son’s shoes at him. Matteo wears toddler-sized seven shoes, so Nikki asserts that they couldn’t have possibly hurt Artem.
The former DWTS pro then allegedly grabbed Matteo and ran with him up the stairs of their Napa Valley home. Meanwhile, the small child reportedly screamed and cried for his mother.
The Former Wrestler Claims Her Husband Physically Assaulted Her
TMZ then reports that Nikki Garcia chased after them and tried to get into the room to her son. Artem Chigvintsev reportedly opened the door and leaped at her, tackling her to the floor. She alleges he “grabbed her arms and held her on the ground for what felt like 30 seconds.”
He then proceeded to push her across the hall, ultimately forcing her down on their bathroom floor. Nikki claims Artem then pressed down on her chest, suffocating her, so she grabbed his neck to get him off of her.
When the police came to their home, Matteo told them his father hurt his hand.
Although Dancing With The Stars fans thought Artem Chigvintsev as more mild compared to other dancers, Nikki Garcia tells a completely different story. TMZ reports Nikki cited prior incidents of violence, including one specific situation in 2023.
Nikki says that last year, her husband violently grabbed her waist to keep her away from their son. She added he also verbally abused her on many occasions.
“Due to the incident that led to Artem’s arrest on August 29, 2024, Nikki has decided to file for a temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order to protect herself and her son,” the former wrestler’s representatives told TMZ.
“Although Nikki requested that the Napa District Attorney not file charges against Artem as she did not want him to go to jail, he must still be held accountable for his actions, and Nikki and her son must be protected,” they continued. “Nikki’s number one priority has always been the well-being of her son. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received and continues to ask for privacy for her and her family during this difficult time.”
Follow TV Shows Ace for more developments in this case.
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