Professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev has officially responded to estranged wife Nikki Garcia's (formerly known as Nikki Bella) divorce filing, demanding joint custody of their 4-year-old son and seeking spousal support. The move comes just weeks after Chigvintsev was arrested on domestic violence charges.
In court documents filed on Friday, September 13, and obtained by Us Weekly, the 42-year-old "Dancing with the Stars" alum cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the dissolution of the marriage. He listed the date of separation as August 29-the same day he was arrested in Napa Valley, California, on a felony domestic violence charge.
Chigvintsev is requesting joint legal and physical custody of their son, Matteo, countering Garcia's petition for sole legal and physical custody. Additionally, he is seeking spousal support from the 40-year-old former WWE star and is asking that she cover his attorney's fees and court costs.
The dancer is also claiming "putative spouse" status from August 26, 2022, to January 19, 2023. A putative spouse is an individual who believes in good faith that their marriage is legally valid, even if it is not. According to the filings, Chigvintsev and Garcia held a lavish wedding ceremony in Paris in August 2022 but did not legally wed in the United States until January 2023.
The couple's relationship has been under scrutiny following Chigvintsev's arrest. According to online jail records, he was booked on August 29 for a felony domestic violence charge. TMZ reported that Chigvintsev called 911 to request medical assistance, alleging that Garcia had thrown shoes at him. He later called back to cancel the request for medical aid. Shortly thereafter, he was taken into custody by Napa County sheriffs.
A representative for Garcia addressed the situation, stating, "This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time."
Sources close to the couple have indicated that their relationship has been tumultuous for years. One insider told TMZ that while news of Chigvintsev's arrest was "shocking but not shocking," there had been previous instances of alleged verbal abuse. The source added that the couple's dynamic had been "volatile," despite public appearances suggesting otherwise.
Chigvintsev and Garcia's romance began in 2017 when they were partnered on Season 25 of "Dancing with the Stars." At that time, Garcia was still engaged to fellow WWE wrestler John Cena. After ending her relationship with Cena in 2018, Garcia and Chigvintsev began dating the following year. They announced their engagement in January 2020 after less than a year together.
The pair welcomed their son, Matteo, in July 2020. Their wedding, held in France in August 2022, was televised in a special on the E! network. However, questions arose regarding the legality of their marriage. In January of last year, Garcia clarified to Us Weekly, "We're legally married in France and in the United States. I think because we have our [marriage records] confidential... people went and searched and they didn't find it."
The distinction of putative spouse status claimed by Chigvintsev may have legal implications regarding property division and spousal support. By asserting this status for the period between their Paris ceremony and their U.S. marriage registration, Chigvintsev could be entitled to certain marital rights despite any potential legal invalidity of their initial nuptials.
Legal experts note that the outcome of the custody battle may hinge on the domestic violence allegations. Garcia's request for sole custody suggests concerns about Chigvintsev's fitness as a co-parent. Meanwhile, Chigvintsev's pursuit of joint custody indicates his desire to maintain an active role in Matteo's life.
The divorce proceedings add another chapter to the couple's high-profile relationship, which has been closely followed by fans and the media alike. Their initial pairing on "Dancing with the Stars" captivated audiences, and their subsequent engagement and family life were often spotlighted in the public eye.
Neither Chigvintsev nor Garcia has made additional public comments regarding the divorce or the domestic violence allegations. As the legal process unfolds, both parties have requested privacy.
The next steps in the case will likely involve court hearings to address the custody arrangement, spousal support, and the division of assets. Given the complexities introduced by the putative spouse claim and the domestic violence charges, legal proceedings could become protracted.
