Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev: From ‘DWTS’ to Divorce Drama Explained

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev’s tumultuous journey has taken a shocking turn following their recent domestic strife. The couple’s relationship, which blossomed on the set of Dancing With the Stars, faced significant challenges after Artem’s arrest for domestic violence in August 2024.

Nikki, formerly known as Nikki Bella, and Artem first connected in 2017 during their time on DWTS. Their engagement in November 2019 came after Nikki’s high-profile split from John Cena the previous year. The couple welcomed their son, Matteo, in July 2020 and tied the knot in August 2022. However, less than two years later, cracks began to emerge in their marriage.

On August 29, 2024, Artem was arrested in Napa Valley, California, charged under the state penal code for corporal injury to a spouse. While the identity of the alleged victim was initially unclear, the situation quickly escalated. Following the arrest, Nikki’s representatives released a statement requesting privacy during this difficult time.

By September 11, Nikki took decisive legal action, hiring a divorce attorney and filing for divorce based on “irreconcilable differences.” She asked for joint legal and physical custody of Matteo, indicating that their separation date lined up with Artem’s arrest. Shortly after, Artem responded with a request for spousal support.

As the drama unfolded, on September 24, the Napa County District Attorney announced that no charges would be filed against Artem due to insufficient evidence, despite the serious allegations. This revelation only intensified the couple’s conflict. Just days later, Nikki sought a restraining order against Artem, claiming he had physically attacked her in front of their son. In her court filing, she described an alarming incident where Artem allegedly tackled her multiple times during a heated argument.

A court granted Nikki her restraining order, strictly limiting Artem’s access to her and Matteo. He was prohibited from coming within 100 yards of Nikki and could only see their son through supervised visits.

In a dramatic twist, on October 3, 2024, Artem responded by filing for his own domestic violence restraining order against Nikki. Amidst this legal turmoil, Nikki’s representatives reiterated her commitment to protecting herself and their son, emphasizing that while she wanted to avoid criminal charges against Artem, accountability was crucial.

The spiral of allegations and legal actions paints a troubling picture of a marriage that quickly descended into chaos, raising concerns about the impacts on their young son amidst a backdrop of fame and public scrutiny. This unfolding saga highlights the complexities of relationships, especially when the spotlight illuminates the darker corners of personal lives.