Just when we thought Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev were living their best post-wedding lives, a domestic battery charge has thrown a wrench into their fairy tale. And now, Nikki’s finally addressing the elephant in the room—but her statement might leave you with more questions than answers.
It’s been just a few short years since Nikki Bella, the WWE superstar turned reality TV sensation, met Artem Chigvintsev on Dancing with the Stars. Sparks flew on the dance floor, and the pair went from partners in dance to partners in life, officially tying the knot in 2022.
The couple also welcomed their son, Matteo, into the world in July 2020, solidifying their status as a family unit. But it seems not everything has been smooth sailing behind the scenes.
Nikki’s Brief Statement Leaves Fans With More Questions
On August 29, just days after celebrating their second wedding anniversary, Artem found himself in hot water—arrested on a domestic battery charge. The details have been kept tightly under wraps, with neither Artem’s team nor the police offering much insight. But one thing is clear: Nikki was right there when it all went down.
Less than 24 hours after the professional dancer was taken into custody, Nikki finally broke her silence. Through her rep, she issued a statement to E! News, but if you were hoping for juicy details, think again.
“This is a private matter,” her rep stated, “And Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
Talk about saying something while saying nothing! The statement, while polite, does little to calm the concerns of fans who are left wondering what really happened.
Artem’s Arrest: What We Know So Far
According to booking records, Artem was arrested mid-morning on August 29 in Napa, California. He was charged under California penal code section 273.5 (a)PC, which deals with acts of violence against a spouse or cohabitant.
After spending some time in custody, Artem was released on a $25,000 bail. But the details surrounding the arrest are still murky at best.
According to booking records, Artem was arrested mid-morning on August 29 in Napa, California. He was charged under California penal code section 273.5 (a)PC, which deals with acts of violence against a spouse or cohabitant. After spending some time in custody, Artem was released on a $25,000 bail. But the details surrounding the arrest are still murky at best.
What we do know is that police were initially called to the couple's home around 8:30 a.m. for what was reported as a “medical emergency.” Things took a turn, however, when TMZ released the 911 call in which Artem mentioned having a heated argument with Nikki. The drama escalated when it was alleged that Nikki had thrown “shoes” at her husband.
Even though the request for medical assistance was canceled before responders arrived, the police still showed up—and whatever they found was enough to result in Artem’s arrest just an hour later.
For those who’ve followed Nikki and Artem’s journey, this arrest is a shocking twist in their love story. From meeting on Dancing with the Stars to getting engaged in 2019, and then navigating life as new parents, they’ve certainly faced their fair share of ups and downs. But this latest development could be their toughest challenge yet.
As the dust settles, fans are left to wonder: Will Nikki and Artem's relationship survive this scandal, or is it just the beginning of the end? For now, she’s been spotted without her wedding ring, but is refusing to provide further details. One thing’s for sure—this story is far from over.
Dancing with the Stars
- Release Date
- June 1, 2005
Cast
- Carrie Ann Inaba
- Bruno Tonioli
- Len Goodman
- Tom Bergeron
Dancing with the Stars is a popular dancing competition reality TV show airing on ABC and Disney+. The series features various celebrities who pair with professional dancers to compete in front of a panel of judges. The US version of the UK TV show Strictly Come Dancing premiered in 2005 and was originally hosted by Tom Bergeron for its first 28 seasons.