Nikki Garcia drops divorce bombshell weeks after Artem Chigvintsev arrested for domestic violence

NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA: Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev's whirlwind romance has taken a dramatic turn, as Garcia has filed for divorce. The news comes on the heels of Chigvintsev's recent arrest on charges of corporal injury to a spouse, adding to the turmoil surrounding their relationship.

The divorce paperwork has sparked a flurry of social media reactions and public speculation. Just days before, the couple was celebrating their second wedding anniversary with heartfelt social media posts, making the abrupt split all the more surprising.

Nikki Garcia files for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev after 2 years of marriage

Nikki Garcia has filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev after two years of marriage. Garcia, 40, submitted the divorce papers in Napa Valley, California, on Wednesday, September 11. 

The filing comes nearly two weeks after Chigvintsev, 42, was arrested on charges of corporal injury to a spouse and shortly after a source informed PEOPLE that Garcia had secured a divorce lawyer.

Chigvintsev's arrest occurred on August 29 in Napa Valley, where he was booked into the Napa County Jail and released on $25,000 bail within an hour, according to documents. 

Although Garcia wasn't mentioned in the official documents, she was identified in a 911 call related to the incident reported by TMZ. The call's audio indicated that Garcia allegedly threw shoes at Chigvintsev during their argument. A representative for Garcia commented, "This is a private matter, and Nikki requests privacy for herself and her family during this time."

Speculation about their separation intensified when Garcia was seen without her wedding ring at her first public appearance since the incident at Netflix’s 'Chestnut vs Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef', a live hot dog eating competition she co-hosted with Rob Riggle on September 2. 

Just days before, on August 30, the couple had celebrated their second wedding anniversary.

Chigvintsev shared a heartfelt Instagram post with wedding photos, saying, “Happy anniversary my love, can’t see my life without you. You are my everything ❤️.”

Meanwhile, Garcia reflected on their love story by posting the lyrics to Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” along with a video from their wedding day. She shared, “This song is our love story,” and recounted how she knew she was falling in love with Chigvintsev.

Garcia and Chigvintsev first met in 2017 when they were paired on Season 25 of 'Dancing with the Stars', although Garcia was then engaged to John Cena.

Garcia and Cena ended their relationship in July 2018 after six years together. Later that year, Garcia and Chigvintsev reconnected, and their relationship became official on Instagram in March 2019. The couple got engaged in November 2019, welcomed their son Matteo in July 2020, and married in August 2022.

Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev's divorce filing sparks mixed reactions online

The news of Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev’s divorce filing after two years of marriage has quickly gained traction on social media, prompting numerous Internet users to share their thoughts online. 

One user slammed Garcia saying, "She destroyed his life."

The second user praised Garcia, "So proud of her! It takes so much strength to leave their abuser."

The third tweeted, "She was probably unhappy way before this and looking for an out,  sad this is what it took but she  doesn't deserve to be mistreated."

One person on X shared, "That’s too bad. I thought these lost souls had found love with each other".

One more person suggested, "Omg Artem u could find someone better."

One social media user agreed by recalling the strong reason, "Because he hit her and he got arrested."

One person on Facebook asserted, "I think he needs an Attitude Adjustment." One netizen wrote, "Good for her. (No sarcasm fr good for her glad she’s getting out of that)".

Another person penned, "She need a better man than that."

The last user shared, "Good we all support her no bashing."

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