Artem Chigvintsev has accused his estranged wife, Nikki “Bella” Garcia, of being the aggressor in their recent domestic violence dispute. Chigvintsev shared photos showing scratches on his elbow, behind his ear, and on his hands. The “Dancing With the Stars” alum sought protection from his wife’s persistent aggression by contacting law enforcement. While on the phone with the police, Garcia-Colace allegedly made a statement saying Chigvintsev ruined her career. Chigvintsev was granted a restraining order against Garcia, while she was granted her own restraining order against him.
Garcia claimed in her filing that Chigvintsev had been increasingly angry, snapping at her, and yelling leading up to their blowout on August 29. She admitted to throwing her toddler’s shoes at Chigvintsev but claimed he escalated the ordeal. Garcia alleged that Chigvintsev ran up to a bedroom with their son, and when she tried to go into the room, he allegedly tackled her. Their son reportedly told officers that “Daddy hurt my hand.” Chigvintsev denies tackling her and was shocked by the allegation made by Garcia two weeks after the incident.
Chigvintsev’s lawyer claimed that Garcia’s self-serving statement impacted his client’s career, resulting in canceled opportunities due to false allegations. The lawyer further alleged that Chigvintsev was not the primary aggressor in the situation. After Chigvintsev was arrested in August, law enforcement in Napa Valley launched an investigation. The domestic violence charges against Chigvintsev were ultimately dropped in September, with the district attorney stating they could only pursue charges supported by evidence.
Chigvintsev expressed relief and gratitude that the domestic violence charges against him had been dropped. He thanked those who supported him throughout the difficult time and expressed thankfulness that the truth had prevailed. Garcia filed for divorce from Chigvintsev after two years of marriage and is seeking full custody of their four-year-old son. The ongoing legal battle between the estranged couple has exposed conflicting accounts of the events leading up to their domestic violence dispute, with both parties seeking legal protection from each other. Garcia’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.
