Nikki Bella contacts divorce lawyers in wake of husband’s domestic violence arrest
Nikki Garcia, FKA as Nikki Bella, is reportedly taking steps to divorce Artem Chigvintsev.
TMZ reports that Garcia has contacted divorce lawyers in the wake of Chigvintsev’s arrest for domestic violence last week.
“Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ … Nikki has been making calls since Friday, and we’re told her intention is to file to end her marriage,” the outlet wrote.
The report continued to state that Chigvintsev is currently staying with a friend and not in the family home he shares with Garcia and the couple’s four-year-old son Matteo.
On Monday, Garcia appeared on Netflix’s “Unfinished Beef” hot dog eating contest and Bodyslam’s Stephanie Hypes noted she was not wearing her wedding ring during the broadcast.
Chigvintsev was arrested Thursday morning after authorities responded to a 911 call at approximately 10 AM local time in Yountville, California. He was later booked for felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant, although Garcia has not been confirmed as the victim. Chigvintsev’s bail was set at $25,000, which he has since posted.
According to audio files obtained by TMZ, Chigvintsev called 911 requesting medical assistance but would later call back to cancel. He noted during the call that his wife had thrown shoes at him.
Paramedics turned back after he canceled but police showed up at the address and “observed obvious injuries on the victim’s body” leading to Chigvintsev’s arrest.
Garcia’s team released a statement through US Weekly on Friday, saying, “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”