Napa Valley, California – After Artem Chigvintsev’s recent domestic violence arrest, Nikki Garcia’s twin sister, Brie Garcia, has been a source of support for her.
Encouraging Nikki to leave the relationship, Brie expressed concerns about any form of violence and the safety of Nikki and her son. The incident leading to Chigvintsev’s arrest occurred at their Napa Valley, California home on Aug. 29.
As a result of the incident, Nikki Garcia, 40, and the former “Dancing With the Stars” pro, 42, are currently not residing together. Sources close to the situation described Nikki as feeling scared and shaken by the events.
Chigvintsev was taken into custody on a felony charge on Aug. 29 in Napa Valley, California, and was released on a $25,000 bail the same day, heightening the tension in the situation.
Following the arrest, close friends of the couple revealed that the marriage had always been volatile, suggesting that the news of Chigvintsev’s arrest did not come as a complete surprise.
Soon after the incident, Nikki filed for divorce and requested full custody of their 4-year-old son, Matteo, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. The estranged couple initially tied the knot in Paris in August 2022.
In the legal proceedings, Nikki expressed her desire for full legal and physical custody of Matteo while also seeking to deny spousal support. Conversely, Chigvintsev requested spousal support, joint custody of Matteo, and for Nikki to cover his legal and attorney fees amidst the growing tension between the two.