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In late August 2024, a domestic disturbance involving Artem Chigvintsev and his wife, Nikki Garcia, prompted police intervention at their Napa Valley residence. Following the incident, Chigvintsev was arrested, facing serious charges of corporal injury to a spouse—a felony in California. He was taken into custody on August 29, and released later that same day after posting a $250,000 bail.
Initial reports indicate that the altercation began when Chigvintsev called for medical assistance, claiming that Garcia had assaulted him by throwing an object. Although he later attempted to retract this call, police had already been dispatched. After interviewing both parties, law enforcement proceeded with the arrest.
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Following the arrest, both Chigvintsev and Garcia remained largely silent about the incident, choosing instead to prioritize privacy.
Just over a week after the arrest, on September 11, Nikki Garcia officially filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev. In her filing, Garcia sought sole legal and physical custody of their four-year-old son, Matteo, while requesting that no spousal support be granted to either party. The divorce appeared to be a direct response to the domestic violence incident, with Garcia citing irreconcilable differences as her reason for the split.
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As the divorce proceedings unfolded, both parties filed for restraining orders against one another, alleging that the other was the primary aggressor during the altercation on August 29. Documentation obtained from police indicated that both Garcia and Chigvintsev provided conflicting narratives of the events that transpired, complicating the situation further.
According to Garcia’s claims, Chigvintsev had become increasingly angry and violent, while Chigvintsev countered that Garcia was the one who instigated the physical confrontation. Police reports revealed that both individuals had visible injuries consistent with a mutual struggle.
Credit: Nikki Garcia, Instagram
After nearly three months of contentious proceedings and public scrutiny, Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia reached a settlement in their divorce. Reports confirm that the couple completed a private mediation and agreed to drop the mutual restraining orders against each other.
Statements from representatives for Garcia indicated a focus on co-parenting Matteo, with custody arrangements established to facilitate an amicable relationship moving forward.
According to a report from PEOPLE:
A rep for Garcia confirms to PEOPLE the former couple have settled their divorce in a private mediation and will not be going to court.
Details of the settlement are unclear but “both parties decided to drop the domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move on with their lives and effectively co-parent their son,” the rep said in a statement.
“Nikki’s number one priority has always been her son and privacy on the matter,” the rep continued. “She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received during this difficult time.”
Credit: Artem Chigvintsev, Instagram
Garcia’s spokesperson remarked that her primary concern throughout the ordeal has been her son and that she is thankful for the support received from fans during this difficult period. Post-settlement, there remains uncertainty regarding the specific details of the agreement, however, the couple’s desire to move on and effectively co-parent Matteo can be regarded as a positive outcome from the circumstances they faced.
Everyone deserves a relationship free from domestic violence. There is help available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Those in need can call (800) 799-7233 or text “START” to 88788. There is also a chat available on the website.
