Nikki Bella breaks silence after husband Artem Chigvintsev’s domestic violence arrest
Nikki Bella is asking for grace after her husband, Artem Chigvintsev, was arrested for domestic violence Thursday morning.
A rep for the 40-year-old ex-WWE star told The Post Friday, “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
Additionally, a source alleged to the outlet that the “Dancing With the Stars” pro, 42, called 911 after the alleged incident before calling back minutes later to tell the emergency services not to come.
Although Bella, who goes by Nikki Garcia, has not publicly spoken out about what happened at the couple’s Napa Valley home, the athlete had been active on social media just a day prior, posting Instagram Stories from her facial appointment.
Bella and Chigvintsev, who share son Matteo, 4, married in August 2022 and celebrated their second wedding anniversary on Monday.
The reality star posted lyrics to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” and took a moment to explain the meaning behind the tune.
“This song is our love story,” Bella captioned her Instagram video. “I’ll never forget where I was when I asked Jesus about Artem. Having a conversation with He & God. How my feelings felt too soon. It all felt too fast. And then this song came on.”
She added, “That’s when I knew that I was falling in love with him and that it was all meant to be.”
Chigvintsev also gushed over his wife, referring to Bella as his “everything.”
The “West End” performer wrote, “Happy anniversary my love, can’t see my life with out [sic] you.”
Chigvintsev was taken into custody by the Napa County Sheriff’s Department just before 10 a.m. on a felony domestic violence charge. His bail was set at $25,000, and he was released that afternoon, with his mugshot circulating online hours later. The booking report listed Chigvintsev at 175 pounds and 5 feet, 9 inches.
A rep for the Napa County Sheriff’s Office told TMZ that deputies responded to a domestic violence call in the town of Yountville and made an arrest at the scene. Injuries were reportedly involved.
However, at this time, the victim has asked for total confidentiality, per the sheriff’s rep, as the investigation remains ongoing. It remains unclear if Garcia herself was involved in the alleged altercation.
In the aftermath of Chigvintsev’s arrest, a source told Page Six about the Mirrorball champ’s future in the ballroom: “There were no plans for Artem Chigvintsev to be a part of Season 33 of ‘Dancing With the Stars,’” which premieres Sept. 17 on ABC.
Paramedics and the fire department were also reportedly en route to Chigvintsev’s home before the dancer’s arrest.
Insiders revealed to TMZ that a call was placed around 8:30 a.m. PT Thursday, with an unidentified person stating there was a “medical emergency” at the home.
An hour later, the “Strictly Come Dancing” alum was arrested.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
