Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev recently spoke about his domestic violence arrest and subsequent divorce from Nikki Garcia after two years of marriage. Chigvintsev was taken into police custody a month ago for felony domestic abuse, but the prosecutors declined to file charges because of a lack of evidence.
Chigvintsev opened up about the charges in a statement to E! News on Wednesday, September 25.
"I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped. This has been an extremely difficult time for me," he said.
Nikki Garcia's ex-husband expressed how thankful he is that the "truth has prevailed."
Police arrested Chigvintsev on August 29 for felony domestic violence. The spokesperson for Napa County Sheriff's Department alluded to visible injuries on the victim, who reportedly requested to keep their identity private. Reports said that he paid $25,000 on bail and was released the same day of his arrest.
Napa District Attorney Allison Haley noted on Tuesday in a press release that while they take every domestic violence arrest "seriously," they can't file charges unless there is substantial evidence. In Chigvintsev's case, there wasn't enough evidence "after a thorough review," because of which the charges were dropped.
Artem Chigvintsev addresses divorce from Nikki Garcia
Two weeks after police took Artem Chigvintseve for alleged domestic violence, his recently estranged wife, former pro wrestler Nikki Garcia, officially filed to legally end their two-year marriage. Garcia filed for divorce on September 11 in Napa Valley, per People.
She also allegedly stopped wearing the emerald engagement ring that the DWTS pro dancer gave her. She was photographed on several occasions without her sparkler.
While Nikki Garcia has kept silent about her ex-husband's domestic violence arrest and their divorce, Artem Chigvintsev recently addressed the end of their marriage. He told E! News that his "focus has always been and will always be" on his four-year-old son with Garcia, Matteo. He added:
"All along, my main concern has been for him. I am committed to continuing to provide him with love, support, and care he needs as we move forward."
The Dancing With the Stars pro explained that he wants an "equal custody arrangement." He said that he's "hopeful" that he can secure one. He also shared his "deepest gratitude" for his family, friends, and legal team.
He said they had stood by him "during this challenging time." Chigvintsev noted that their support "has been invaluable," and he thanked them for believing and seeing "the truth for what it was."
Artem Chigvintsev ended his statement to E! News by reiterating his commitment to his son. He added that he is looking forward to "moving past this chapter and focusing on what truly matters," which he said is "being the best father" to Matteo.