Artem Chigvintsev has been cleared of domestic violence charges amid his ongoing divorce with Nikki Bella, raising questions about what happens next.
At a Glance
- Artem Chigvintsev was arrested for felony domestic violence on August 29.
- The Napa County District Attorney’s Office announced he will not be criminally charged.
- The case may be reevaluated if new evidence emerges.
- Nikki Garcia filed for divorce on September 11, requesting sole custody of their son, Matteo.
- Chigvintsev seeks privacy and focuses on his future and son.
Charges Dropped After Investigation
On August 29, Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on a felony domestic violence charge. Despite the severity of the allegations, the Napa County District Attorney has decided not to pursue criminal charges against him due to insufficient evidence. Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley made the announcement after evaluating crucial evidence, including witness statements and footage.
According to Haley, the DA’s office has an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by evidence beyond a reasonable doubt. Therefore, despite initial concerns, the available evidence did not meet this stringent standard. Consequently, criminal charges will not proceed at this time.
The Napa County District Attorney's Office announced it would not file criminal charges against Artem Chigvintsev following his Aug. 29 domestic violence arrest. https://t.co/yfIY3LgDNF
— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) September 25, 2024
Details Surrounding the Allegations
Chigvintsev was arrested under California penal code 273.5(a). Initially, he was released on a $25,000 bond. The allegations surfaced amid his divorce from Nikki Garcia, with whom he shares a 4-year-old son, Matteo. The arrest happened only a few weeks before the divorce filing on September 11.
“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 said in a statement included in the release. “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,” said Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley.
Chigvintsev’s representative stated that he has maintained his innocence throughout the investigation. He expressed gratitude for the DA’s conclusion and emphasized his commitment to his son and his future, both personally and professionally.
"Dancing with the Stars" pro Artem Chigvintsev will not face criminal charges following his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence last month, the district attorney's office said. https://t.co/8sdeFel3AJ
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) September 25, 2024
Impact on Divorce Proceedings
The legal troubles come amid an already contentious divorce process. Nikki Garcia, commonly known as Nikki Bella, filed for divorce and requested sole legal and physical custody of their son, Matteo. Garcia and Chigvintsev were married in August 2022 after meeting on the set of “Dancing with the Stars” in 2017. As the divorce unfolds, the couple remains focused on what is best for their child.
Chigvintsev has been a staple on “Dancing with the Stars,” participating in 12 seasons and winning in 2019. Despite his current personal struggles, he has the support of his colleagues. Fellow dancer Gleb Savchenko, for instance, called Chigvintsev “part of the family” and reiterated their close friendship.
