Nikki Bella, a prominent figure in the WWE world, is once again making headlines, but this time for a much more personal reason—her troubled marriage with professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. Following reports of domestic violence, Bella is reportedly seeking a divorce. This shocking news has left fans and media alike buzzing about the reasons behind the breakup and the couple’s tumultuous relationship.
Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev: A Love Story Gone Wrong
Nikki Bella, born Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace, and Artem Chigvintsev, a talented dancer, first met on the set of Dancing with the Stars in 2017. Their chemistry on the dance floor quickly transitioned into a real-life romance, captivating fans worldwide. They welcomed their son, Matteo, in July 2020, and two years later, they tied the knot. However, behind the glamour and public affection, the couple struggled with deep-seated issues that eventually led to a breaking point.
Domestic Violence Charges Against Artem Chigvintsev
The beginning of the end for Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev came when Artem was arrested on domestic violence charges in Napa. According to reports, Artem called for medical assistance but then canceled the request before paramedics arrived. When police responded to the call,
they observed visible injuries on the victim, although it is still unclear whether Nikki herself was the alleged victim. Nevertheless, Artem was taken into custody on felony domestic violence charges and released later that day after posting a $25,000 bail.
The arrest of Artem shocked fans and friends, but some close to the couple were reportedly not surprised. Sources say that tension had been building in the marriage for some time, with recurring arguments over control and communication issues. These long-standing problems eventually manifested in more severe conflicts, such as the incident that led to Artem’s arrest.
Troubling Allegations From the Past
Artem’s recent legal troubles are not the first time he has faced accusations of abusive behavior. His former dance partner on Strictly Come Dancing, Fern Britton, came forward with claims of verbal and physical abuse during the 2012 season. She alleged that Artem would mock her weight, kick her feet, and even threaten her during rehearsals. While these accusations were never formally addressed, they cast a troubling light on his behavior toward women in high-pressure environments.
Nikki Bella Hosts an Event Without Her Wedding Ring
Despite the serious nature of the domestic violence allegations, Nikki Bella has continued to maintain a public presence. Over the Labor Day weekend, she co-hosted a Netflix event, Joey Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef, at the Hyper X Arena in Las Vegas. Attendees were quick to notice that she was not wearing her wedding ring, a sign that she might be ready to move forward with divorce proceedings.
Although Nikki appeared to be in high spirits during the event, sources revealed that the situation had deeply affected her. Despite putting on a brave face, it seems clear that her marriage to Artem has reached a point of no return.
Seeking Legal Counsel for Divorce
According to multiple reports, Nikki Bella has already begun taking steps to end her marriage to Artem Chigvintsev. Sources close to the couple indicated that Nikki has been reaching out to divorce lawyers since the arrest, signaling her intention to move forward with the legal process. At this time, Artem is reportedly staying with a friend while Nikki remains in their family home with their 4-year-old son, Matteo.
Although the couple has yet to make a formal announcement about their separation, the signs point to an inevitable divorce. Friends of the couple are saddened by the turn of events but not entirely surprised, given the ongoing tensions in their relationship.
A Brave Face in the Midst of Adversity
Despite the turmoil in her personal life, Nikki Bella has shown remarkable strength and composure. Hosting events and appearing in public without letting the strain of her marriage affect her professional commitments speaks to her resilience. However, behind the brave face, Nikki is undoubtedly grappling with the emotional weight of her situation.
For many fans, Nikki Bella is more than just a former WWE star or a reality TV personality—she’s a symbol of empowerment and strength. As she navigates this difficult chapter in her life, it’s clear that her focus is on protecting herself and her son while moving toward a healthier and happier future.
Conclusion
Nikki Bella’s decision to seek a divorce from Artem Chigvintsev marks a significant moment in her personal life. The allegations of domestic violence and the underlying issues in their marriage have led to an inevitable split. While Nikki has remained strong in the public eye, the emotional and legal challenges she faces are substantial. For now, it appears that the once-glamorous romance between Nikki and Artem has come to an unfortunate end.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What led Nikki Bella to file for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev?
Nikki Bella is reportedly seeking a divorce following Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest on domestic violence charges. Reports suggest that their marriage had ongoing issues related to control, communication problems, and arguments.
2. Was Nikki Bella the victim in the domestic violence case?
Although it’s unclear whether Nikki herself was the victim, police noted visible injuries when responding to the 911 call. The details have been kept private at the victim’s request.
3. Has Artem Chigvintsev faced similar accusations before?
Yes, in 2012, Artem was accused of abusive behavior by his former Strictly Come Dancing partner, Fern Britton, who claimed that Artem mocked her weight, physically mistreated her, and verbally threatened her during their time together.
4. Where is Artem Chigvintsev staying now?
Following the domestic violence incident, Artem is reportedly staying at a friend’s house while Nikki remains in the family home with their son, Matteo.
5. How has Nikki Bella responded to the situation publicly?
Nikki has continued to appear in public, hosting events without wearing her wedding ring. Despite the challenges, she has put on a brave face and remained professional in her public engagements.