Days after she filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev following his domestic violence arrest, Nikki Bella was spotted with her soon-to-be ex and their son Matteo.
According to TMZ, the estranged couple was seen together with their four-year-old at their once-shared Napa Valley home on Sunday, Sept. 15. This was reportedly the first time the two were seen photographed together since the domestic violence situation on Aug. 29.
Nikki Garcia and Artem seen together but distant #nikkigarcia . Source TMZ Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev Seen Together for First Time Since Arrest (https://t.co/tsaYowbnFK) pic.twitter.com/ZKixIpzs6F
— cocotte890 (@cocotte890) September 17, 2024
Artem Chigvintsev arrived at the residence with Matteo and briefly crossed paths with Nikki Bella in the front yard. TMZ noted that the WWE star noticeably kept her distance from the Dancing With the Stars alum. Both also appeared to not be wearing their wedding bands.
Nikki Bella, also known as Nikki Garcia, officially pulled the plug on her two-year marriage to Artem Chigvintsev on Wednesday, Sept. 11. She filed for divorce at the Napa County Superior Court in Calif. less than two weeks after Chigvintsev was arrested for domestic violence. She requested sole legal and physical custody of Matteo,
A rep for the WWE Hall of Famer confirmed the split and stated, “She continues to ask for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
Chigvintsev has since responded to Bella’s filing with his own filing. He requested joint custody of their son as well as spousal support.
Napa County Sheriff’s deputies stated Chigvintsev did not resist arrest. He was booked at the Napa County Jail on suspicion of domestic violence. The dancer was released hours later on a $25,000 bond.
Chigvintsev previously competed on 12 seasons of Dancing With the Stars. He and Bella met when they were dance partners for the show’s 25th season. They married in Aug. 2022.
Artem has since been cut from Dancing With the Stars. He will not be appearing in the upcoming season.
Attorney Says Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella Are ‘Focused on Co-Parenting and Working Together’ Amid Divorce
While speaking to PEOPLE, Artem Chigvintsev’s attorney, Ilona Antonyan, stated the professional dancer and Nikki Bella are focused on co-parenting and working together amid the divorce proceedings.
Antonyan also told the media outlet, “As a standard practice, the divorce response preserves Mr. Chigvintsev’s financial rights to support and fees. Failure to check these boxes in the responsive pleadings waives the right to seek such remedies. There is no motion pending for spousal support or fees, also known as the Request for Order.”
Chigvintsev’s attorney further explained that the “parties intend to resolve all pending issues on mutually acceptable terms.”