Artem Chigvintsev claims estranged wife Nikki Garcia was the abuser, shows off bloody scratches on arms, neck
By Eileen Reslen,
7 hours ago
Artem Chigvintsev is accusing his estranged wife, Nikki “Bella” Garcia, of being the aggressor in their recent domestic violence dispute – and has photos showing the marks she allegedly left him.
In the images, obtained by The Post Friday, the “Dancing With the Stars” alum, 40, shows scratches on his elbow, behind his ear and on his hands.
“Mr. Chigvintsev contacted law enforcement on 8/29/24 seeking protection from his wife’s persistent aggression,” his attorney, Ilona Antonyan, claimed in a statement.
Artem Chigvintsev filed a restraining order against Nikki “Bella” Garcia. Rob Latour/Shutterstock The pro dancer, seen here showing off his marks, alleges Garcia was the aggressor in their domestic violence dispute. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
“While he was on the phone with the police , Ms. Garcia-Colace made a pointed statement, saying, ‘Do you understand where this is going now, Artem? You just ruined my career, and you know it.’”
She admitted to throwing her toddler’s shoes at Chigvintsev, but claimed he escalated the ordeal.
In images obtained by The Post, Chigvintsev showed off scratches on several parts of his body. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA “He was not the primary aggressor,” his lawyer insists. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA
Garcia also alleged her ex ran up to a bedroom with Matteo, and when she tried to go into the room, he allegedly tackled her. She also claimed their son told officers, “Daddy hurt my hand.”
“[Chigvintsev] denies ever tackling her. He was shocked to learn two weeks after the incident that she made this allegation against him; at that point it made sense to him why he was arrested,” Antonyan told The Post.
“As a result of wife’s self-serving statement, Mr. Chigvintsev’s career suffered , with numerous opportunities being canceled due to these false allegations.”
The lawyer further alleged, “Mr. Chigvintsev’s case highlights this reality. He was not the primary aggressor.”
Garcia, who filed her own restraining order, admitted she threw her son’s shoes at Chigvintsev. SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA She claimed in her filing that her now-estranged husband had been “increasingly angry, snapping at [her] and yelling” leading up to their Aug. 29 fight. Broadimage/Shutterstock
Page Six has reached out to Garcia’s reps for comment but did not immediately hear back.
After Chigvintsev was arrested in late August, law enforcement in Napa Valley launched an investigation.
However, the domestic violence charges against the dancer were ultimately dropped , with the district attorney sharing in September that they could only pursue charges “supported by the evidence.”
Chigvintsev was arrested after their argument, but charges were ultimately dropped. theartemc/Instagram Chigvintsev’s lawyer claims Garcia said when cops were called, “You just ruined my career, and you know it.’” theartemc/Instagram
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