Nikki Garcia Smiling Without Her Ring In New Snap Has Fans Fuming: 'She's The Aggressive One'

Artem Chigvintsev, a 42-year-old professional dancer known for his time on "Dancing With The Stars," was taken into custody on Thursday in Napa Valley, California, on allegations of domestic violence. Although early details were limited, it was later revealed that he is facing charges of felony corporal injury to a spouse.

The Napa County Sheriff's Department released Artem Chigvintsev's mugshot shortly after the news surfaced and informed ABC News about a domestic violence report they received from Yountville around 10 a.m.

While the victim has asked to keep their identity private at this time, the term "spouse" suggests that the victim could be his wife, Nikki Garcia, to whom Artem Chigvintsev has been married since 2022.

Deputies promptly responded to the call early Thursday morning and took Artem into custody, stating that he "did not resist arrest." He was booked into Napa County Jail on suspicion of domestic violence and was later released on bail.

The release of a 911 call suggested that Nikki Garcia "threw shoes" at Artem Chigvintsev during the alleged altercation.

According to the call obtained by TMZ, Artem initially asked for medical assistance but also reported that his wife had thrown shoes at him. "Initially came in as requesting medical, but now he is stating he got into an argument with his wife and his wife threw shoes at rp [reporting party]," the dispatcher noted.

"There is a child on scene. Medical en route," they continued, seemingly referring to Nikki and Artem's 4-year-old son. "There's an active 415 [disturbing the peace] in the background responsible."

However, Artem later canceled the request for paramedics, with the 911 dispatcher confirming, "RP is stating no medical is needed now."

Police arrived about an hour later, noted visible injuries on the alleged victim, and subsequently arrested Artem on charges of felony corporal injury to a spouse. 

The Russian dancer was released around 2:15 p.m. PT after posting bail and is no longer in custody. Deputies reported that he was "cooperative in the process."

After the arrest, former WWE star Nikki Garcia, known in the ring as Nikki Bella, was recently seen in Oakland boarding a private plane with a female friend, possibly en route to Las Vegas, where she is set to co-host Netflix's live hotdog eating contest, "Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef," on Monday.

Bella boarded the plane with a wide smile and her hat pulled low over her eyes, but all eyes were clearly on her hand as she was seen noticeably without her wedding ring. The snap, obtained by TMZ, has left the public fuming.

"Why is she smiling?" one social media user asked, pointing out the fact that the former WWE star looks pretty happy considering her husband was just arrested on a domestic violence charge.

"SHE WAS THE AGGRESSIVE ONE. no injuries on her? she is a drunk," another claimed, pointing out that Nikki didn't seem to have any visible injuries in the snap, though she was wearing a long sleeve shirt and jeans, so she could have injuries hidden under her clothes.

Remember, the police arrested Artem after they saw visible injuries on the victim, whose identity has yet to be released.

While many social media users attacked Nikki after seeing the snap, several others came to her defense, expressing that "domestic violence isn't something to joke about."

"Domestic violence is nothing to make fun of," one user said. "Something serious happened and they have a child. Hopefully she's OK and will get help to move forward."

"Please leave this woman alone," another said.

"I hate seeing her going through this domestic violence abuse is no joke," a third expressed.

The arrest comes just days after the couple celebrated their anniversary.

In an Instagram video, which was set to the song "Can't Help Falling In Love," Nikki shared, "This song is our love story. 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. And that's when I knew that I was falling in love with him and that it was all meant to be," she added.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.