Nikki Garcia's Journey After A Heartbreaking Split

Life After the Split

Nikki Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella, is stepping into a new chapter of her life following her separation from Artem Chigvintsev. As someone who’s always been open about her personal journey, Nikki is now focusing on putting the pieces back together and moving forward with grace and resilience.

Let’s rewind to August 29, when Artem, 42, faced a felony domestic violence charge, leading to his arrest and subsequent booking in Napa County Jail. The incident took place in Napa Valley, California, and Artem was later released on a $25,000 bail. This unexpected turn of events sent shockwaves through the couple's world and beyond.

The Unthinkable Decision

Fast forward nearly two weeks later, and Nikki, 40, filed for divorce in Napa Valley on Wednesday, September 11, as confirmed by Closer. Rumors were already swirling earlier that day, with reports indicating that Nikki had retained the services of a divorce lawyer. The speed at which events unfolded left little room for speculation.

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An insider close to Nikki shared with Life & Style that she’s absolutely devastated. “Her whole world changed in an instant,” the source revealed, painting a picture of Nikki’s emotional state during this tumultuous period.

Breaking her silence after the arrest, Nikki issued a statement through her representative. “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time,” her rep told Life & Style. It was clear that Nikki wanted to handle this delicate situation with dignity and discretion.

Understanding Domestic Violence Charges

At the time of Artem’s arrest, details about who else might have been involved in the incident were not immediately disclosed. According to California Penal Code Section 273.5(a), acts of domestic violence, which include injuring a spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent, are strictly prohibited. This offense is commonly referred to as domestic abuse, domestic violence, or corporal injury to a spouse.

A Family in Transition

Artem and Nikki are the proud parents of Matteo, their son born in July 2020. The couple tied the knot in August 2022, marking the start of what seemed like a beautiful chapter in their lives. They celebrated their first wedding anniversary in August 2023, and just days before Artem’s arrest, they joyfully acknowledged their two-year anniversary on Instagram.

Nikki commemorated this special occasion with an Instagram Reel, set to Elvis Presley’s timeless tune, “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The reel showcased cherished moments of her and Artem, capturing the essence of their love story. “This song is our love story,” she wrote in the caption. “I’ll never forget where I was when I asked Jesus about Artem. Having a conversation with Him and God. How my feelings felt too soon. It all felt too fast. And then this song came on. And that’s when I knew that I was falling in love with him and that it was all meant to be.”

Artem also took to Instagram to celebrate their anniversary, writing, “Happy anniversary my love, can’t see my life without you. You are my everything.” It was a heartfelt message that reflected the deep bond they once shared.

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Returning to Public Life

Interestingly, Nikki posted an update on social media just hours before Artem’s arrest, sharing that she had enjoyed a facial in Napa Valley. Later, TMZ obtained a recording of Artem’s 911 call, revealing that the initial call was for medical assistance but evolved into a domestic dispute. The dispatcher noted that Artem reported an argument with his wife, during which shoes were allegedly thrown.

Just days after the incident, Nikki returned to work, cohosting Netflix’s Joey Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef on September 2. Fans noticed that she wasn’t wearing her wedding ring during the event, signaling a possible shift in her personal life. Introduced by Rob Riggle at the Las Vegas event, Nikki warmly acknowledged the audience's support, expressing her happiness to be there.