Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev’s Drama Explained: How They Went From ‘DWTS’ to Divorce

August 29, 2024

The former DWTS pro was arrested in Napa Valley, California, on August 29, 2024, on a charge of corporal injury to a spouse, Closer confirmed at the time. While the alleged victim in the case was not made immediately clear, Artem was booked on California penal code 273.5(a), which “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.”

August 30, 2024

One day after Artem’s domestic violence arrest, Nikki spoke out in a statement, with a rep for the former WWE superstar telling Us Weekly, “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”

September 11, 2024

Hours after it was reported that Nikki obtained a divorce lawyer, she filed paperwork in Napa Valley, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split and requesting “joint legal and physical custody” of Matteo. Their date of separation was listed as the day of his arrest. Days later, Artem filed a response, requesting a judge grant him spousal support.

September 24, 2024

Artem was not charged with domestic violence after his August arrest for corporal injury to a spouse. “Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced today that her office has declined to file criminal charges against Artem Chigvintsev, in connection with his arrest on suspicion of felony domestic violence,” a press release shared by the county announced on September 24, 2024. “The decision to not file charges against Mr. Chigvintsev was made 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,” Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley added. “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.”

September 30, 2024

Nikki filed for a restraining order against Artem on September 30, 2024, one week after his domestic violence charges were dropped, and reportedly claimed that her estranged husband attacked her, according to Life & Style. In her filing, Nikki claimed that Artem “tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present.”

Claiming that Artem had become “increasingly angry,” Nikki said they allegedly spoke about anger management on the morning of his arrest. She alleged Artem “went off” about how Matteo’s English muffin should be toasted, and after she threw Matteo’s toddler-sized shoes at him, things escalated. Artem took their son upstairs, and after Nikki attempted to enter the room, the dancer allegedly tackled her to the ground. She claimed that he grabbed her arms and pinned her on the floor for what felt like 30 seconds. Later, Matteo reportedly told police, “Daddy hurt my hand.”

The court reportedly granted Nikki’s restraining order, with Artem prohibited from “coming within 100 yards” or contacting Nikki, according to court documents obtained by TMZ. The DWTS pro can only see Matteo “for visitation or exchange of the child” through court-ordered visits.

October 4, 2024

On October 4, 2024, it was reported that Artem filed his own domestic violence restraining order against Nikki one day prior.

The same day Artem’s filing made headlines, Nikki’s rep issued a statement to Us Weekly, saying, “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. 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.”

The statement continued, “Nikki’s number one priority has always been the wellbeing of her son. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received and continues to ask for privacy for her and her family during this difficult time.”