Artem Chigvintsev Attacks ‘Incorrect’ Reports He Wants To Reconcile With Wife Nikki Garcia

Former Dancing With the Stars professional Artem Chigvintsev has formally addressed speculations about his relationship with his estranged wife Nikki Garcia.

Following accusations of domestic abuse, protracted court cases, and a custody dispute over their four-year-old son Matteo, the couple, who recently marked their second wedding anniversary, found themselves embroiled in a convoluted and well-reported divorce.

Clarifying Misleading Reports

Nikki Garcia, known for her career as a WWE star, filed for divorce in September 2024, just days after Chigvintsev was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence.

The incident occurred on August 29 and allegedly involved a confrontation at their home, witnessed by their son Matteo. Chigvintsev was released the same day on $25,000 bail, and by September 24, the Napa County District Attorney, Allison Haley, announced that no charges would be filed after reviewing the evidence.

Amid the divorce and legal complications, rumors began to circulate that Chigvintsev wanted to reconcile with Garcia.

However, the professional dancer put an end to those speculations with a statement given to PEOPLE on October 16, saying, “The reporting that I wanted to reconcile with Nikki is incorrect.” His attorney, Ilona Antonyan, also confirmed that Chigvintsev had no contact with Garcia since early October.

Despite the legal separation, Chigvintsev has remained focused on co-parenting their son. His legal filings emphasize his request for joint legal and physical custody, contrasting Garcia’s original request for sole custody and limited visitation rights for Chigvintsev.

On October 15, a Napa County judge ruled that the couple would share custody of Matteo, a significant win for Chigvintsev.

Custody and Restraining Orders

In addition to asking for exclusive custody, Garcia’s divorce petition suggested Chigvintsev have supervised visits and an order requiring him to take anger management classes.

The court’s ruling, however, gave both parents equal custody, provided that they take parenting classes and treatment to work through their differences in order to protect Matteo.

Conversely, restraining orders against Chigvintsev and Garcia have been granted, which has heightened tensions between the ex-couple.

After the events of August 29, Garcia requested a restraining order, which forbade Chigvintsev from approaching her, Matteo, or their home beyond the parameters of court-mandated visitations or child exchanges.

Conflicting Narratives on the Domestic Violence Incident

The events of the domestic violence allegation remain contentious, with both parties providing conflicting accounts. According to Chigvintsev’s court filings, the argument began over a disagreement on their son’s breakfast preparation and school readiness.

He alleged that Garcia’s frustration escalated over trivial matters such as how he prepared Matteo’s toast and packed his lunch.

In his version, Garcia became physically aggressive, throwing their son’s shoes at him before following him to the living room, where the altercation intensified. He claimed he had to lock himself and Matteo in a bedroom to protect them from further harm.

However, Garcia provided a different narrative in her own restraining order filing. She admitted to throwing the shoes but described Chigvintsev as the primary aggressor, accusing him of tackling her to the ground and later shoving her across the hallway into their bedroom.

The confrontation, according to her, continued into the bathroom, where Chigvintsev allegedly pinned her down, making her feel suffocated. Both sides have submitted evidence, with Chigvintsev presenting photos of his injuries and Garcia sharing reports of wounds on her body.

Looking Ahead

The pair has stated that their son Matteo is their main priority as they get ready for their divorce trial in December. “My focus has always been and will always be, our son Matteo,” Chigvintsev declared, “He is my world, and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life. All along, my main concern has been for him.”

The ex-couple is currently juggling co-parenting and ongoing legal disputes while also looking out for their child’s welfare, even though a reconciliation is not in the works. It will be interesting to observe if their disagreements can be settled cooperatively.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Artem Chigvintsev right now. Come back here often for all Artem Chigvintsev spoilers, news, and updates.

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