Nikki Garcia Shares Account of Incident Leading to Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest
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New details have emerged about the alleged domestic violence incident which led to Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest in August. According to TMZ, Chigvintsev’s estranged wife Nikki Garcia has requested a restraining order and claims he tackled her while their 4-year-old son Matteo was present.
Nikki Garcia’s Account of Artem Chigvintsev Incident
TMZ reports that Garcia filed a sworn declaration in court describing the events leading up to Chigvintsev’s arrest on August 29, claiming he “tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present.”
According to the filing, Chigvintsev was “increasingly angry, snapping at me, and yelling” over not being asked back to Dancing with the Stars this season. On the morning of his arrest, Chigvintsev allegedly screamed at Garcia over how their son Matteo’s English muffin was toasted, claiming she was making him a “picky eater.”
According to Garcia, she responded to Chigvintsev’s shouting by throwing a pair of Matteo’s shoes (a toddler size 7) at Chigvintsev, hitting his leg. At that point, Chigvintsev allegedly grabbed Matteo and ran upstairs with him, as the 4-year-old screamed, “Mommy! Mommy!”
As Garcia tried to get into Matteo’s room, she claims Chigvintsev opened to door and tackled her to the floor, grabbing her arms and pinning her down for what felt to her like 30 seconds. He then allegedly returned to the room, and when Garcia once again tried to enter, he pushed her into their bedroom and onto the floor of their bathroom.
Garcia claims that Chigvintsev was pressing down on her chest with his hands, and she felt like she was suffocating. She says she grabbed at Chigvintsev’s neck to try and get him off her. When police came, Garcia claims that Matteo told them, “Daddy hurt my hand.”
SEE ALSO: ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV FILES FOR JOINT CUSTODY OF HIS SON WITH NIKKI GARCIA
Garcia Described Past Incidents with Chigvintsev
According to Garcia, this was not the first time Chigvintsev acted violently toward her. She claims that in 2023, he “violently grabbed me around my waist” to keep her away from Matteo. Garcia also says that Chigvintsev has been verbally abusive.
Garcia has reportedly requested a restraining order against Chigvintsev, and a judge has signed off on it. She wants Chigvintsev to seek help with anger management. Chigvintsev is apparently prohibited from coming within 100 yards of Garcia and Matteo — aside from visitation or court-ordered child exchanges.
On the morning of Chigvintsev’s arrest, he reportedly called 911 to report a “medical emergency” but later canceled the request. Police were still required to visit the home. After observing injuries on the alleged victim, they arrested Chigvintsev. He was booked on a charge of felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant and released on $25,000 bail.
Chigvintsev has apparently not been living at the family’s home since his arrest. Garcia filed for divorce from Chigvintsev last month. According to her reps, she requested that charges not be filed against Chigvintsev for the alleged incident.
“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’s rep added.
