Nikki Bella ‘Devastated’ After Husband Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest: ‘Her Whole World Changed’

Nikki Garcia (formerly known as Nikki Bella) is speaking out after her husband, Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev , was arrested for domestic violence on August 29 . “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time,” a rep for Nikki tells Life & Style .

The retired WWE star, 40, also cohosted a live hot dog eating contest in Las Vegas a few days after the incident. “Thank you, everyone. I’m so happy to be here!” Nikki, who’d ditched her wedding ring , told the audience. As the crowd cheered for her, she replied, “I love you, too.”

Nikki was putting on a brave face, a source tells Life & Style . “She’s devastated by what happened. Her whole world changed in an instant.”