Artem Chigvintsev Responds to Nikki Garcia’s Divorce Filing
Artem Chigvintsev, the former "Dancing With the Stars" pro, has filed a response to the divorce petition submitted by his wife, Nikki Garcia. The divorce filing came in the wake of Chigvintsev's recent arrest on August 29 for domestic violence.
Following his arrest, Nikki Garcia, who shares a 4-year-old son, Matteo, with Chigvintsev, filed for divorce to end their two-year marriage, as confirmed by her representative to E! News. In response to the divorce filing, Chigvintsev submitted legal documents on September 13, acknowledging the date of separation as August 29—the day of his arrest—and citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split, according to Us Weekly.
Chigvintsev, 42, has requested spousal support and asked Garcia to cover his attorney fees. Additionally, he is seeking joint legal and physical custody of their son Matteo. Conversely, Garcia, 40, has requested sole legal and physical custody, though she has indicated a willingness to consider visitation rights for Chigvintsev, as per documents obtained by TMZ.
Both parties have yet to publicly address the divorce, but Garcia’s rep has requested privacy for her and her family during this time. Chigvintsev’s arrest occurred in Napa, California, where the family owns a home. He was charged under California penal code section 273.5 (a) PC, related to domestic violence, and was released later the same day on $25,000 bail.
The arrest followed their second wedding anniversary on August 26, which both Chigvintsev and Garcia had celebrated on social media. Garcia shared a message quoting lyrics from Elvis Presley’s "Can't Help Falling in Love," reflecting on their relationship, while Chigvintsev expressed his deep affection in his post.
Previously, Garcia—formerly engaged to John Cena—had discussed attending couples therapy with Chigvintsev to address communication issues that arose after their son’s birth. Despite their efforts, they had recently reduced their therapy sessions due to an improvement in their relationship.
For more updates on Chigvintsev’s legal case and its potential impact on his future, stay tuned.
