Artem Chigvintsev Was Not the 'Primary Aggressor' in Domestic Violence Incident with Nikki Garcia, Claims Lawyer (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Artem Chigvintsev (L) and Nikki Garcia.Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Artem Chigvintsevis speaking out for the first time after his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence.

In a lengthy statement to PEOPLE on Wednesday, Sept. 25, Chigvintsev revealed how he’s been doing after it was announced he wouldnot be facing criminal chargesfor his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence on Aug. 29.

The formerDancing with the Starspro said he is now focusing on his son Matteo, whom he shares with estranged wifeNikki Garcia, as he attempts to move forward from the incident.

“I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped,” the statement began. “This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed. My focus has always been and will always be, our son Matteo. He is my world, and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life. All along, my main concern has been for him. I am committed to continuing to provide him with the love, support, and care he needs as we move forward.”

Artem Chigvintsev visits the SiriusXM studio at SiriusXM Studios on September 19, 2023.Emma McIntyre/Getty

Emma McIntyre/Getty

Chigvintsev’s attorney, Ilona Antonyan, also provided an exclusive statement to PEOPLE regarding the ongoing divorce between her client and Garcia.

“We can now focus on negotiating a shared 50/50 custody schedule. Fortunately, Artem has been able to spend time with Matteo almost every day since 8/29/2024 incident,” she shared, before sharing alleged details of the morning of his arrest. “He is a very dedicated, interactive, nurturing, and loving parent. My understanding of the investigated facts surrounding the 8/29/24 incident have led me to conclude from the beginning that Artem was not the primary aggressor. I believe that to be true even if the burden of proof would be the preponderance of evidence, which is the standard of proof in family court. He was protecting himself and Matteo.”

She added: “Fortunately, he has a strong support group of loving family and friends. I am confident he will move forward from this situation with strength and dignity. Artem is fully committed to fostering a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex. Divorce is never easy, but once custody is settled, the remaining issues tend to be less emotionally charged and easier to resolve.”

A rep for Garcia did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

(L) Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia.Getty(2)

Getty(2)

At the time, a rep for Garcia told PEOPLE, “This is a private matter and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”

The television personality cited “irreconcilable differences” as grounds for divorce from the professional dancer. Garcia also requested the court terminate spousal support for both parties. In response to her filing, Chigvintsev stated he was seeking joint legal and physical custody of their son, as well as spousal support and attorney’s fees and costs.

(L) Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia with their son Matteo.Nikki Garcia/Instagram

Nikki Garcia/Instagram

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced that her office came to the decision todecline to file criminal chargesagainst Chigvintsev after his arrest in August.

According tothe press release, Haley stated that the decision was made after a “thorough review of the criminal investigation” and evidence presented in the case.

Though the DA’s office will not be pursuing criminal charges against Chigvintsev, Haley wrote that they may revisit the case if they learn of other incidents, facts or evidence that has not been previously known.

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Garcia and Chigvintsev met in 2017 when they werepaired togetheron season 25 ofDancing with the Stars, although the retired WWE wrestler was engaged toJohn Cenaat the time. In July 2018, Garcia and Cena officiallyended their relationshipafter six years together.

TheDWTSpairreconnectedlater that year and made theirrelationship Instagram officialin March 2019. Since then, Garcia and Chigvintsev have celebrated several milestones together: They gotengagedin November 2019,welcomed a sonin July 2020 and said, “I do” in August 2022.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com