Artem Chigvintsev Files Restraining Order Against Nikki Bella: Updates on Arrest, Release and More

Dancing with the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on August 29, 2024. Fans were shocked to learn the news and are now wondering about the details surrounding the incident.

Why Was Artem Chigvintsev Arrested?

Artem was arrested for felony domestic violence, according to Napa County, California, jail records and was booked on California penal code 273.5(a). That specific code “makes it illegal to injure a spouse, cohabitant or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence. This offense is also referred to as domestic abuse, domestic violence or corporal injury to a spouse.”

Artem’s bail was set at $25,000, which he posted just hours after his arrest and was released from jail.

Details About the Day of Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest

TMZ reported that a call was made to 911 for a “medical emergency” around 8:30 a.m. the morning of Artem’s arrest. The outlet reported that Artem himself made the call, but he later canceled the request before the paramedics arrived. Artem was detained at the scene, a rep from the Napa County Sheriff’s Department told the publication that the victim had “injuries” but requested “total confidentiality.”

The publication also obtained an audio clip of the 911 call.

“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 [the reporting party],” the dispatcher said during the call. “There is a child on scene. Medical en route. There’s an active 415 [disturbing the peace] in the background responsible.”

The dispatcher also added that “[Artem] got into an argument with his wife and his wife threw shoes at [the reporting party].”

Nikki Bella Broke Her Silence 1 Day After Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest

The following day, a representative for Nikki Garcia (formerly Nikki Bella) released a statement on her behalf.

“This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time,” the spokesperson told Us Weekly on August 30, 2024.

A few days later, E! News reported that Nikki was seen boarding a private plane in Oakland, California, and she was not wearing her wedding ring.

Nikki Bella Filed for Divorce

Life & Style confirmed Nikki filed for divorce from the ABC alum on September 11, 2024, in Napa County, California, according to online records. Although the reason for the split was unclear, the Total Bellas alum listed their official date of separation as August 29, 2024, the day Artem was arrested. That same day, insiders also exclusively told Life & Style that Artem was “known to have a temper.”

“He’s a perfectionist and that makes him impatient at times,” explained the source. “Nikki made excuses for him, saying it was because he was so passionate about his craft.” According to the source, the relationship “was volatile. He came across as angry to a good many people, including his former partners and colleagues.”

In her divorce filing, Nikki requested primary legal custody of her and Artem’s 4-year-old son, Matteo, without seeking to limit Artem’s visitation rights. Just days later, on September 13, the ABC alum submitted his own divorce papers, seeking joint custody and spousal support from his estranged wife.

Artem Was Not Charged With Domestic Violence

Weeks after Artem’s arrest, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced her office declined to file criminal charges against the former professional dancer after a “thorough review of the criminal investigation and careful evaluation of the evidence presented to the DA’s Office.”

“While we take every arrest seriously and stand firmly against domestic violence, we have an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by the evidence,” Haley said in a statement on September 24, 2024. “We are required to prove any and every criminal charge ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ which is the highest standard in the American criminal justice system. If the available evidence doesn’t rise to this level of proof, then we cannot ethically file charges.”

Nikki Bella Granted Restraining Order Against Artem Chigvintsev

Nikki filed a restraining order against Artem on September 30, 2024. She claimed that he allegedly brutalized her and “tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present,”  according to documents viewed by TMZ.

While recalling the day of his arrest, she explained that Artem had become “increasingly angry, snapping at me, and yelling” after he was cut from Dancing With the Stars. The pair had a conversation about his outbursts on the morning of his arrest, and she claimed he “went off” about the way Matteo’s English muffin should have been toasted.

Nikki explained she threw one of Matteo’s shoes at Artem before he grabbed their son and took him upstairs. Artem allegedly tackled her to the ground after she attempted to get into the room. He then allegedly grabbed her arms and pinned her to the ground.

She was later granted the restraining order, and Artem was prohibited from “coming within 100 yards” or contacting her, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. The documents added that Artem can only see Matteo “for visitation or exchange of the child” through court-ordered visits.

“Due to the incident that led to Artem’s arrest on August 29, 2024, Nikki has decided to file for a temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order to protect herself and her son,” a rep for the mother of one said in a statement to Us Weekly on October 4, 2023. “Although Nikki requested that the Napa District Attorney not file charges against Artem as she did not want him to go to jail, he must still be held accountable for his actions, and Nikki and her son must be protected.”

Artem Chigvintsev Filed a Restraining Order Against Nikki Bella

Artem submitted his own paperwork in Napa County court requesting a “domestic violence restraining order” against Nikki on October 3, 2024, Life & Style confirmed.

Who Is Artem Chigvintsev’s Wife?

Artem has been married to Nikki, a former WWE wrestler, since August 2022. The couple first met when Nikki competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2017. However, she was engaged to John Cena at the time. Nikki and John ended their engagement in 2018, and soon after, she and Artem sparked dating rumors.

“They got together for dinner and the chemistry from the dance floor came right back. They hit it off. They’re taking it slow, but they’re really into each other,” an insider told Life & Style in January 2019.

Nikki and Artem officially confirmed they were in a relationship in March 2019 during an episode of “The Bellas Podcast.”

“Yes, we are dating. Yes, I spend the night at his house,” Nikki gushed. “Yes, we have date lunches at Joan’s on Third and we like to get food for his house — or should I say, produce from the farmer’s markets. So, let’s consider this rumor killed.”

When they made their red carpet debut at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Sports Awards in July 2019, Nikki and the professional dancer couldn’t hide their admiration for each other.

“Artem’s aura and energy, he’s so calming and relaxing,” Nikki told People at the event. “I’m like the Tasmanian devil, I need someone with his energy to make me stop and be present. … He’s so adorable and sweet.”

Artem added, “I think she’s the exact opposite of me. What I’m missing in my life, she fulfills.”

In January 2020, Nikki revealed that Artem had proposed two months earlier and shared the big news on Instagram.

“Excited for 2020 and the next decade with you @theartemc,” the former Total Divas star wrote. “I said yes in France in November! We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!”

Their wedding plans were postponed several times, but the two finally tied the knot in August 2022, a little over two years after they welcomed their first child, a son.

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia Celebrated Their Wedding Anniversary Days Before Arrest

Two days before Artem was arrested, Nikki shared a clip on Instagram celebrating their second wedding anniversary. The former reality TV star wrote out the lyrics to Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling In Love” as the caption alongside the video.

“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. Happy Anniversary @theartemc I love you!” Nikki added at the end.