Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia are working things out to reach a divorce settlement. On September 17, 2024, the dancer’s lawyer, Ilona Antonyan, shared some exclusive details about the couple’s ongoing legal separation with PEOPLE magazine.
According to Ilona, the former couple’s primary focus is on the well-being of their infant son, Matteo. With this in mind, Chigvintsev and Garcia are working together to establish an amicable co-parenting system for their child.
Emphasizing Nikki and Artem’s commitment to resolve all their grievances and issues amicably in order to finalize their divorce, the attorney said,
“The parties are focused on co-parenting and working together for the best interests of their son… Parties intend to resolve all pending issues on mutually acceptable terms”.
Discussing the Dancing with the Stars alum’s decision to request spousal support and coverage for legal fees from Nikki, Antonyan clarified that this is a standard part of the divorce process. She explained that the request aims to protect his financial rights during the legal proceedings.
Artem’s lawyer also shared that, for now, he will refrain from discussing his ongoing divorce publicly. She stated,
“At this time, Mr. Chigvintsev will not comment on any pending proceeding”.
The Reason Behind Artem Chigvintsev And Nikki Garcia’s Divorce
The news of the former couple’s divorce filing came as a shock to many. However, the most surprising revelation was the underlying cause of their heartbreaking decision.
On August 29, 2024, just three days after celebrating their second anniversary, Artem was arrested on accusations of domestic violence against Nikki. He was detained for several hours before being released on bail of $25,000.
This incident of domestic abuse was what led to the couple’s marital problems, ultimately leading to their divorce.
On September 11, 2024, just two weeks after Chigvintsev’s arrest, the former WWE champion filed for legal separation. In her documents, Nikki requested sole physical custody of their son, with only visitation rights granted to Artem.
In response to Nikki’s filing, the dancer submitted his own divorce papers on September 13, 2024. He sought joint custody of Matteo and also requested spousal support from his ex-wife.
Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev first met on the set of the show Dancing with the Stars in late 2017. They officially began dating in January 2019, leading to their engagement in November of the same year.
In July 2020, the couple welcomed their son Matteo, into the world. After more than three years of dating, Nikki and Artem tied the knot in August 2022. Unfortunately, their marriage has now come to an end after two years.
Fans Disputed Over Nikki And Artem’s Ongoing Divorce
The online community has a mixed reaction to the news of Garcia and Chigvintsev’s separation. Some fans criticized the wrestler for seeking sole custody of her son, Matteo. Such comments read,
“Mateo deserves to spend equal time with his dad!”
“It should be joint he has father rights just like a mother!”
“He’s still a good man and a good father Don’t take the boy away from their father!!!! 😞”
“I get a really bad feeling about this divorce 😢”
While, many fans voiced their opposition to Artem’s involvement in their child’s life, citing his past accusations of domestic violence as a major concern. They wrote,
“He’s got a DV. I don’t want my child around anyone like that”.
“He abused Nikki. What makes you think he won’t lose his temper and someday do the same to his child?… the child is no longer safe”.
As the legal proceedings continue, fans can only hope for a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the couple’s child, Matteo.