Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia finalize divorce just two months after separation
Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia have reached a divorce settlement.
On Wednesday, a representative for Garcia announced that the former couple has resolved their divorce agreement to “move forward” and prioritize co-parenting their 4-year-old son, Matteo.
“Nikki and Artem have settled their divorce amicably and will not be appearing in court. Both individuals have agreed to lift the domestic violence restraining orders against one another in an effort to move on and co-parent effectively,” stated Garcia’s representative. “Nikki’s primary concern has always been their son and keeping this matter private. She appreciates all the love and support she has received during this tough period.”
Nikki Garcia, known for her time in WWE as Nikki Bella, initiated divorce proceedings against the “Dancing with the Stars” champion in September after Chigvintsev was arrested in California on charges of felony domestic violence.
As reported by YSL News, Garcia, who is legally named Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, filed for the dissolution of her two-year marriage. The couple originally met in 2017 while paired on “Dancing with The Stars” and later wed in 2022.
Chigvintsev proposed to Garcia in France in November 2019, and the couple made their engagement public on Instagram on January 3, 2020.
The 42-year-old dancer was arrested on August 29 and held in Napa County jail with a $25,000 bail, which he posted and was released within three hours. He later addressed the situation, revealing that prosecutors opted not to pursue charges against him.
“I am immensely relieved and thankful that the domestic violence accusations against me have been dismissed. This has been an incredibly challenging time for me, and I am grateful that the truth has come to light,” he stated in interviews with E! News and People magazine, emphasizing his ongoing commitment to his son.
Reports from TMZ and People indicate that in her court filing, Garcia cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their divorce, marking August 29—Chigvintsev’s arrest date—as the date of separation. She has requested both legal and physical custody of their son, while also allowing for visitation rights for Chigvintsev.
Chigvintsev, who won the 29th season of “Dancing with the Stars” with Kaitlyn Bristowe in 2020 and finished fourth with Charity Lawson last season, has been a part of the ABC competition series for ten years, aside from taking a break in the 2019 season. He was not included in the cast for Season 33.