Nikki Bella, the renowned former WWE star and reality TV personality, has broken her silence following the arrest of her husband, Artem Chigvintsev, on domestic violence charges. The incident has drawn significant media attention and raised questions about the couple's private life.
On Thursday, August 29, Chigvintsev, a professional dancer known for his work on "Dancing With the Stars," was arrested in Napa County, California, on felony domestic violence charges. According to the Napa County Sheriff's Office, Chigvintsev was booked at 10:40 a.m. and released on $25,000 bail by 2:18 p.m. the same day. The arrest was made under California Penal Code Section 273.5(a), which addresses corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant.
The arrest followed an emergency call Chigvintsev made around 8:30 a.m. on the same day, which was subsequently canceled. During the call, Chigvintsev reported that Bella had thrown shoes at him, according to audio obtained by TMZ. The dispatcher noted that medical assistance was initially requested but later canceled, with Chigvintsev stating that no medical attention was needed. The dispatcher also indicated that a child was present at the scene, which has since been confirmed to be the couple's four-year-old son, Matteo.
In response to the arrest, Bella's representatives issued a brief statement, urging privacy for the family. "This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time," the statement read. Bella, whose legal name is Nikki Garcia, has yet to provide further details on her involvement or the nature of the dispute.
Sheriff's Public Information Officer Henry Wofford confirmed that Chigvintsev's arrest was based on visible injuries or credible evidence. However, due to privacy laws protecting domestic violence victims, specific details regarding the victim's identity and the nature of the injuries have not been disclosed. "Our deputies felt comfortable arresting him on felony domestic violence charges," Wofford said in a statement.
The timing of the arrest is notable, occurring just days after the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Bella had shared a heartfelt post on Instagram commemorating the occasion, reflecting on their relationship with a video montage set to Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love." The post highlighted Bella's deep emotional connection to Chigvintsev, describing the song as "our love story."
Despite the personal turmoil, Chigvintsev remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world. Reports indicate that he will not participate in the upcoming 33rd season of "Dancing With the Stars," which is set to premiere next month. The absence of Chigvintsev from the show has fueled speculation about the impact of the legal situation on his career.
The couple's relationship and family life have been the subject of public interest, especially given their high-profile status. Bella and Chigvintsev, who married in 2022, share a young son and have previously shared glimpses of their family life with their followers. The arrest has cast a shadow over their public image, prompting calls for privacy from Bella's representatives and sparking widespread media coverage.
