Nikki Garcia In 'Great Spirits' While In Vegas After Artem Chigvintsev's Arrest
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on September 3, 2024 at 3:45 PM EDT
Professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on Thursday after police responded to a domestic violence call around 10 a.m.
Deputies quickly arrived at the scene and took Artem into custody without any resistance. He was booked into Napa County Jail on suspicion of domestic violence but was later released on bail. Details later emerged from a 911 call, which suggested that his wife, former WWE star Nikki Garcia, had "thrown shoes" at Artem during their reported altercation.
In the days following Artem Chigvintsev's arrest, Nikki Garcia took the stage on Monday to co-host Netflix's live competitive eating special, "Unfinished Beef."
Nikki Garcia Seen In Vegas Days After Artem Chigvintsev's Arrest
According to an insider, the former WWE star was seen in “great spirits” while in Las Vegas just days after the alleged fight took place, which led to her husband's arrest.
“She was extremely friendly and seemed happy, as if nothing had just happened between her and Artem,” the insider told Us Weekly. “Nikki put on a brave face and didn’t let the incident affect her.”
“Nikki was excited for her job and kept smiling, and was in a great mood," the source noted.
After hosting Netflix's "Unfinished Beef" special, she reunited with her four-year-old son, Matteo, whom she was very “attentive” toward. "[Nikki] seemed like a really good mom," the source said after observing the television star.
This latest source is speaking out following Nikki's first televised outing since the incident, when she hosted Netflix's live competitive eating special, "Unfinished Beef."
Nikki Garcia Allegedly Seeking Divorce Lawyer
When the 911 call was made, the dispatcher noted that Artem and Nikki were physically separated. Police arrived roughly an hour later, observed visible injuries on the alleged victim, and subsequently arrested Artem on charges of felony corporal injury to a spouse.
The Sheriff's department has yet to reveal the identity of the alleged victim, stating they are giving the individual "adequate time to process what happened before requiring further statements to detectives."
According to recent reports, sources close to Nikki and Artem claim that the former WWE star is considering divorce. They mentioned that she has already begun reaching out to find legal representation.
Sources informed TMZ that the couple is no longer living together. Artem is currently staying at a friend's house, while Nikki remains in their home with their 4-year-old son, Matteo.
Nikki Garcia Spotted Without Her Wedding Ring
Ahead of her hosting gig on Monday, the former professional wrestler was spotted smiling and notably without her wedding ring as she boarded a plane.
However, her radiant expression didn't sit well with many, who found it inappropriate given Chigvintsev's recent arrest. Social media users were quick to criticize her, with some expressing their outrage over her apparent lack of concern.
"SHE WAS THE AGGRESSIVE ONE. No injuries on her? She is a drunk," one user alleged after hearing the 911 call, which seemed to indicate that Nikki threw shoes at Artem during the fight.
"Why is she smiling?" another individual wondered.
Nikki Garcia And Artem Chigvintsev Attended Couples Therapy Due To Communication Issues
In a previous episode of Kaitlyn Bristowe’s podcast, "Off the Vine," Nikki opened up about their therapy sessions, which have been focused on addressing challenges related to Artem's communication style.
The former WWE star's revelation came after Kaitlyn, who partnered with Artem and won "Dancing with the Stars" in 2020, expressed uncertainty about his feelings due to his communication. Nikki shared that she had faced a similar challenge, noting that her husband's stress would often impact his tone, to the point where she almost considered leaving the show.
The couple turned to therapy to strengthen their relationship and ensure that they could effectively co-parent their then 5-month-old son, Matteo.
Nikki Garcia And Artem Chigvintsev Get Married In 2022
Nikki and Artem first crossed paths as dance partners on Season 25 of "Dancing with the Stars," while Nikki was still in a relationship with John Cena. After her split from the WWE star and actor, Nikki began dating Artem, and the two eventually tied the knot in 2022. They now share a four-year-old son.
The 42-year-old Russian dancer is currently facing felony charges for corporal injury connected to an alleged domestic violence incident. While specific details were initially unclear, the use of the term "spouse" in the charges suggests that his wife.
They celebrated their wedding anniversary days before the arrest.