Nikki Garcia (AKA Bella) filed a restraining order against estranged husband Artem Chigvintsev Monday, and a judge signed off, after Nikki submitted a sworn declaration to the court saying in detail how Artem allegedly brutalized her.
In her petition, Nikki says Artem “tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present.”
She says since Artem was cut from “Dancing with the Stars,” he grew “increasingly angry, snapping at me, and yelling.” She said they had discussions about his need to control his anger, adding on the morning of the incident, Artem went off on Nikki over how their 4-year-old son’s English muffin should be toasted, screaming that she made their son a “picky eater.”
Nikki says she was so overwhelmed by Artem yelling at her, she threw Matteo’s toddler-sized 7 shoes toward Artem. She says the shoes hit his leg, but were so light they couldn’t have hurt him.
She says Artem grabbed Matteo and ran with him upstairs, as the boy screamed, “Mommy! Mommy!”
She says as she tried to get in the room, Artem opened the door and tackled her to the ground outside Matteo’s room. She says he grabbed her arms and held her on the ground for what felt like 30 seconds.
She says Artem then went back into Matteo’s room and closed the door — and she says she again tried to push open the door, and he then opened it and pushed her across the hall into the couple’s bedroom, forcing her to the floor in their bathroom. She says he had his hands on her chest near her sternum, pressing down — she says she felt like she was suffocating — and she says she grabbed at his neck in an attempt to get him off.
The police came and Matteo told them, “Daddy hurt my hand.”
She also alleges Artem was physically violent on one prior occasion. She says in mid-2023, he “violently grabbed me around my waist” to keep her away from Matteo. She also claims there were numerous instances of verbal abuse. She says she doesn’t want her son to grow up in a tumultuous environment as she did. Nikki wants Artem to get the help he needs with therapy and anger management — and for her and Matteo to have enough space away from him until he has bettered himself.
The judge prohibited Artem from contacting or coming within 100 yards of her, their son, their home, etc. The only exception is for visitation or exchange of the child per court-ordered visits.
Nikki had asked the judge if she could leave the country with their son, but the judge denied that request until a full hearing is held October 21. She wants to go to London to film a project.
We’re told Artem has not been living at the family home since August 29, after a domestic dispute, but the judge said he will not grant a “move-out order” until the hearing.
TMZ.com
Nikki filed for divorce after an altercation with Artem that landed him in jail for alleged domestic violence. Prosecutors declined to file charges, citing a lack of evidence.
Nikki and Artem married in 2022 in a ceremony in Paris. They met in 2017 while they were partners on “Dancing with the Stars” but didn’t start dating until after she broke up with John Cena.
Artem has been allowed visits and Facetime calls with him.
Nikki’s reps tell 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.”
