Statement from Nikki Bella Amid Husband's Arrest
Former WWE superstar Nikki Bella, whose real name is Nikki Garcia and who rose to fame under the stage name Bella, made a statement following her husband Artem Chigvintsev's arrest for domestic violence. This is a tough moment for the family, and Nikki's team has asked for privacy during this sensitive time.
“This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time,” a representative for Nikki told Us Weekly in a statement released on Friday, August 30. It’s clear that the couple values their privacy and is navigating a difficult situation.
What Happened in Napa Valley?
Artem, 42, was arrested on Thursday, August 29, in Napa Valley, California, and booked into Napa County Jail on a felony domestic violence charge. The incident has sent shockwaves through their tight-knit community. While details remain scarce, the charges are serious, and the couple is now dealing with the fallout.
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Under California Penal Code Section 273.5(a), it's illegal to harm a spouse, someone you live with, or a parent of your child in an act of domestic violence. This offense is also referred to as domestic abuse or corporal injury to a spouse. It’s a heavy accusation, and the legal process will undoubtedly play out in the coming weeks and months.
A Love Story Interrupted
The couple, who tied the knot in 2022, shares a son named Matteo, who was born in July 2020. Their story began when they were paired together on "Dancing With the Stars" in 2017 for season 25. After her split from ex-fiancé John Cena, with whom she had a tumultuous six-year on-again, off-again relationship, Nikki and Artem officially started dating in 2019.
Nikki, 40, and Artem got engaged in November 2019 while visiting France. They shared the exciting news on Instagram in January 2020, writing, “We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!” Their relationship blossomed quickly, capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.
Anniversary Celebrations Before the Arrest
Prior to Artem's arrest, the couple celebrated their two-year wedding anniversary. Nikki posted a heartfelt video tribute to Artem on her Instagram page, complete with lyrics from the classic song "Can't Help Falling in Love." Her caption revealed the depth of her feelings for her husband, recounting the moment she realized she was falling for him.
“This song is our love story. I’ll never forget where I was when I asked Jesus about Artem,” she wrote. “Having a conversation with Him and God. 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.”
In the hours leading up to Artem’s arrest, Nikki shared a photo on her Instagram Stories, telling her followers she had gotten a facial at a spot in Napa. Later, Closer obtained Artem’s mugshot after the arrest, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding story.
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Artem also shared a tribute to Nikki over on his own Instagram page for their wedding anniversary, just days before his arrest. “Happy anniversary my love, can’t see my life without you. You are my everything,” he wrote alongside photos from their wedding. It’s clear how much they mean to each other, making the current situation all the more heartbreaking.
Artem's Future on Dancing With the Stars
According to People, Artem was not slated to appear on "Dancing With the Stars" season 33 before his arrest. The full cast for the new season has yet to be revealed. Fans will have to wait and see how this affects his professional life moving forward.
If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
