Artem Chigvintsev Seeks Joint Custody and Spousal Support in Divorce from Nikki Garcia
Artem Chigvintsev Seeks Joint Custody and Spousal Support in Divorce from Nikki Garcia (Photo: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America/CC BY-SA 2.0 )

The once close relationship between Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev has reached a breaking point as the estranged couple filed domestic violence restraining orders against each other this week. What began as a heated argument over a child's breakfast has devolved into a legal battle, with both parties providing conflicting accounts of the August 29 incident that led to Chigvintsev's arrest in Napa Valley, California. The dispute has now become a public matter, drawing attention to the unraveling of their two-year marriage.

Garcia, 40, and Chigvintsev, 42, who share a four-year-old son named Matteo, have each accused the other of being the aggressor during the altercation. According to Garcia's court filings, the dispute started when Chigvintsev, allegedly angered over his dismissal from Dancing with the Stars, snapped at her while preparing breakfast for their son. The argument escalated when Garcia criticized him for being overly picky about how the food was prepared, which led to a tense exchange.

Chigvintsev, in his own court filing, offered a different perspective. He claimed Garcia was stressed from work and initiated the argument by criticizing him for not carrying his weight in their parental duties. In his account, he attempted to de-escalate the situation by leaving the room but was followed by Garcia, who allegedly threw their son's shoes at him in frustration. "There was a mutual struggle, and both ended up on the ground," Chigvintsev wrote in his declaration.

Both parties admit that the shoes were thrown, with Garcia acknowledging that she hurled them in a moment of emotional overwhelm. She, however, downplayed the incident, stating that the toddler-sized shoes "weigh hardly anything" and could not have caused harm. Chigvintsev, in contrast, claimed that the situation quickly escalated to physical violence, with him having to physically restrain Garcia to prevent further conflict. He further alleged that his son was frightened by the intensity of the argument and that his actions were intended to protect Matteo. The disagreement soon involved law enforcement when Chigvintsev called 911, but it was he who was ultimately arrested that day on charges of corporal injury to a spouse. Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley, however, announced on September 24 that no criminal charges would be filed against the professional dancer. Despite the lack of charges, the legal dispute between the two has only intensified.

On Monday, September 30, a judge granted Garcia's request for a restraining order against Chigvintsev. Later in the week, on October 3, Chigvintsev filed his own restraining order against Garcia, which was granted the following day. Both are now scheduled to appear in court on October 21 for a full hearing.

Garcia, best known for her career as a former WWE wrestler, claimed in her filing that Chigvintsev tackled her multiple times during the altercation, even pressing down on her chest so hard that she felt like she was suffocating. In a particularly distressing moment, Garcia alleged that their son, Matteo, told police officers, "Daddy hurt my hand." She also referenced past instances of alleged physical violence, including a 2023 incident where Chigvintsev supposedly grabbed her forcefully around the waist.

Chigvintsev has vehemently denied these claims, stating in his filing that he was trying to protect himself from Garcia's persistent aggression. His lawyer, Ilona Antonyan, backed his account, stating, "He was protecting himself and Matteo." She also pointed out that Garcia had made a pointed comment during the 911 call, accusing Chigvintsev of ruining her career, a statement Antonyan described as self-serving.

 

Since the incident, Chigvintsev has moved out of the family home, though no official "move out order" has been issued. Under the terms of Garcia's restraining order, Chigvintsev is prohibited from contacting her or coming within 100 yards of her, their son, their home, or her vehicle, except for court-ordered visitations. Despite the restrictions, the couple has agreed on a temporary custody arrangement for Matteo, with both parents sharing equal physical custody based on a rotating schedule.

In a statement to People, Garcia's representatives emphasized her priority for her son's wellbeing, saying, "Nikki's number one priority has always been the wellbeing 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." Meanwhile, Chigvintsev expressed his commitment to providing for his son, calling Matteo "the greatest blessing" in his life and vowing to continue offering him love and support.

As the legal proceedings unfold, both Garcia and Chigvintsev are bracing for further court hearings. The complexity of their dispute, compounded by conflicting narratives and legal filings, suggests that this case may take time to resolve. For now, the couple's once promising relationship appears to be headed for a contentious divorce, with their son's future at the center of the dispute.