If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or find a local program that offers support.
Garcia submitted a sworn declaration.
Nikki Garcia filed a restraining order against her husband, Artem Chigvintsev. TMZ reported the details and noted that a judge signed off on it after Garcia submitted a sworn declaration to the court which detailed the alleged abuse she dealt with via Artem.
She claims that Chigvintsev tackled her multiple times and pinned her to the ground while their child, Matteo, was in the vicinity. Garcia added that when Artem was cut from ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ he became increasingly angry and began to snap and yell at her. They talked about him needing to control his anger on the morning of the incident.
Garcia claims Chigvintsev ‘went off’ on her because their son’s English muffin was not toasted and shouting about how she made him a picky eater. Garcia became overwhelmed with Artem shouting at her so she threw one of Matteo’s shoes at him. She noted that the shoe hit his leg, but it was so light that it could not have hurt Chigvintsev.
Artem allegedly grabbed Matteo and ran upstairs with him and Matteo was calling out for his mother. When Garcia tried to get in the room they were in, Artem tackled her to the ground. She claims he grabbed her arms and held her on the ground for what ‘felt like 30 seconds.’
She noted that Chigvintsev went back into Matteo’s room and closed the door. She tried to push it open, but he opened it and pushed her across the hall into their bedroom. Garcia noted that he forced her to the floor in their bathroom. Artem had his hands on Garcia’s chest and was pressing down. Nikki said it felt like she was suffocating and she grabbed his neck in an attempt to get him off.
When the police arrived, Matteo told the police, ‘Daddy hurt my hand.’ Garcia’s representation issued the following to TMZ:
Due to the incident that led to Artem’s arrest on August 29, 2024, Nikki has decided to file for a temporary Domestic Violence Restraining Order to protect herself and her son. Although Nikki requested that the Napa District Attorney not file charges against Artem as she did not want him to go to jail, he must still be held accountable for his actions, and Nikki and her son must be protected. Nikki’s number one priority has always been the wellbeing of her son. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received and continues to ask for privacy for her and her family during this difficult time.
Garcia added that Artem was physically violent in mid-2023 on one occasion. He ‘violently grabbed’ her around her waist to keep her from their son. There were numerous alleged instances of verbal abuse and Garcia said she does not want their son growing up in a tumultuous environment like she did. Nikki wants Chigvintsev to get the help he needs, and for Matteo and herself to be separate from him until he betters himself.
Per the judge, Artem is prohibited from contacting or coming within 100 yards of Garcia, their son and their home. The only exception is for visitation or exchange of Matteo, per court-ordered visits. In addition to visits, he is allowed to be on FaceTime with Matteo. She asked the judge if she could leave the country with their son, but that was denied until a full hearing on October 21st. She intends to go to London, England to film a project.
TMZ learned that Artem has not been at their family home since late August. A move-out order will not be granted until the hearing. Garcia filed for divorce and Chigvintsev was placed in jail for alleged domestic violence. Prosecutors did not file charges due to lack of evidence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or find a local program that offers support.
