Artem Chigvintsev is speaking out after it was confirmed he will NOT face charges for his domestic violence arrest.
As Perezcious readers know, last month, the Dancing with the Stars pro was taken into custody on charges related to injury of a spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent following an incident in California. Following some kind of argument, Artem called 911 requesting medical assistance, seemingly claiming his wife Nikki Garcia had attacked him, before ultimately calling off the emergency services. When cops arrived at the scene, they found enough evidence to arrest him — not her. Nikki was never identified as the victim by cops, who noted the other person involved “requested complete confidentiality.” However, the context of the charges and the fact she filed for divorce soon after suggested she was likely involved. So unfortunate…
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It’s been a messy few weeks — but now that he’s cleared from charges, what does Artem have to say for himself? He spoke to E! News on Wednesday, expressing:
“I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped. This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed.”
FWIW, just because authorities didn’t think they had enough evidence to charge him with anything right now, they still have some time if they uncover new details of the case and want to dig deeper. So, he’s not totally out of the woods yet — but this is still a very big win for him.
That said, the scandal split up his family, so there were still consequences! Addressing his main priority right now, the TV personality said of his 4-year-old son Matteo:
“He is my world, and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life. All along, my main concern has been for him. I am committed to continuing to provide him with the love, support, and care he needs as we move forward. I am hopeful that securing an equal custody arrangement will help us move on.”
As part of her divorce filing, the ex-WWE star requested full legal and physical custody of the young boy with visitation rights for his father, but the dancer is fighting for joint custody and spousal support. Hopefully, things won’t get messy as they try to hash this out.
The 42-year-old went on to acknowledge all those who have been in his corner during this ordeal, noting:
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to my family, friends, and legal team for standing by me during this challenging time. Your support has been invaluable, and I am thankful to everyone who believed in me and saw the truth for what it was.”
He concluded:
“I look forward to moving past this chapter and focusing on what truly matters — continue being the best father I can be.”
Nikki has been seen around without her wedding ring on, but she has not personally commented on this arrest drama yet. We wonder how she’s feeling now that charges won’t be brought against her estranged husband?? It’s gotta be such a stressful and complicated time for them all!
Thoughts? Let us hear them in the comments (below).
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to https://www.thehotline.org/.
