Nikki Garcia All Smiles On Netflix Special Amid Artem Chigvintsev's Arrest
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on September 2, 2024 at 5:00 PM EDT
Nikki Garcia was all smiles and full of energy as she and Rob Riggle got the crowd pumped up for the big event, "Unfinished Beef."
The former WWE star, who fans might remember as Nikki Bella, took the stage on Monday, September 2, to co-host Netflix's live competitive eating special, "Unfinished Beef," just days after her husband, Artem Chigvintsev, was arrested on a domestic violence charge.
Nikki Garcia, along with comedian Rob Riggle, hosted the event, which featured a showdown between hot dog-eating legends Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi.
Nikki Garcia Hosts Netflix Special Days After Domestic Violence Incident
The ex-WWE superstar made a stylish entrance in a sleeveless red vest paired with matching tailored pants. She completed her look with bold red lipstick and platform shoes.
"Thank you, everyone; I'm so happy to be here!" she beamed after Riggle introduced her and as the crowd cheered her on. "I love you too," she told the fans who erupted with chants and support.
After Joey Chestnut won the competition 83 to 62 hot dogs, Nikki told the crowd and fans at home to "be safe" and wished them a Happy Labor Day.
Her appearance comes days after her husband, 42-year-old professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, was arrested for domestic violence in Napa Valley, California. He faces charges of felony corporal injury to a spouse.
The mention of "spouse" suggests that the victim is Nikki, though the victim's identity has not been confirmed as requested.
Artem Chigvintsev Arrested On Domestic Violence Charges
The Napa County Sheriff's Department released Artem's mugshot shortly after the news broke and informed ABC News about a domestic violence call they received from Yountville around 10 a.m.
Deputies arrived on the scene swiftly and arrested Artem, who "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 shed more light on the incident, suggesting that Nikki "threw shoes" at Artem during the alleged fight.
"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 said in the audio. "There is a child on scene. Medical en route. There's an active 415 [disturbing the peace] in the background responsible."
Artem later called the paramedics off.
Police Find Visible Injuries On Alleged Victim
When the call came in, the dispatcher noted that Artem and Nikki were physically separated. Police arrived about an hour later, observed visible injuries on the alleged victim, and then arrested Artem on charges of felony corporal injury to a spouse.
The Sheriff's department has not yet disclosed the identity of the alleged victim but stated that they are allowing the individual "adequate time to process what happened before requiring further statements to detectives."
Nikki Garcia And Artem Chigvintsev Welcome Matteo Artemovich
Nikki and Artem share a 4-year-old son, Matteo Artemovich, who is believed to have been at the scene at the time of the incident.
"It’s something I’ve dreamed of my whole life,” she told People Magazine at the time of her pregnancy announcement. “I can’t imagine life without being a mom and experiencing the miracle of life and raising a child. I’m just so family-oriented that I couldn’t imagine not having that family life.”
Their son was born on July 31, 2020. "I labored for 22 hours, and I pushed for two hours while wearing a mask because of COVID-19," Nikki said. "It was 118 degrees in Phoenix, and our room wouldn't get colder than 76 degrees, so I was burning hot the whole time."
Artem Chigvintsev Will Not Return To 'Dancing With The Stars'
The Russian dancer first gained fame on "Dancing With The Stars," where he won the Mirrorball Trophy in Season 29 with "The Bachelorette" alum Kaitlyn Bristowe. More recently, he competed in Season 32 with "The Bachelorette" star Charity Lawson, finishing in fourth place.
Nikki and Artem first met on the ABC dance competition show, as they were partnered for Season 25 when Nikki was still dating John Cena.
According to the network, Artem was not scheduled to participate in this season of "Dancing With The Stars."
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.
