Artem Chigvintsev was NOT the primary aggressor in last month’s domestic violence incident in Napa County, California apparently involving his now-estranged wife Nikki Garcia.
That’s what his lawyer is claiming, at least, in a shocking new statement released to the media on Wednesday afternoon. Of course, this follows on the heels of the Napa County District Attorney’s Office choosing not to prosecute the Dancing With The Stars veteran on any charges related to the incident. So, to hear Artem’s lawyer drop this bombshell is yet another major development in this ongoing saga.
Related: Brie Garcia Seemingly Calls Out Artem For ‘Lies’ After Domestic Violence Charges Dropped!
Chigvintsev’s attorney Ilona Antonyan released the shocking statement to Us Weekly. In it, the lawyer began by acknowledging divorce proceedings and the ensuing custody battle. They also noted Artem’s desire to continue to spend time with his and Nikki’s 4-year-old son Matteo:
“We can now focus on negotiating a shared 50-50 custody schedule. Fortunately, Artem has been able to spend time with Matteo almost every day since 8/29/2024 incident. He is a very dedicated, interactive, nurturing, and loving parent.”
But here’s where things get wild. Antonyan’s statement continued by assuring that Artem was “not the primary aggressor” in the August 29 incident in northern California. Instead, Ilona claims the dance pro was “protecting himself and Matteo,” presumably from the retired professional wrestler who competed in the WWE as Nikki Bella:
“My understanding of the facts surrounding the 8/29/24 incident have led me to believe that Artem was not the primary aggressor. I believe that to be true even if the burden of proof would be the preponderance of evidence, which is the standard of proof in family court. He was protecting himself and Matteo.”
Whoa.
That is SO chilling. Remember, early reports of the incident included details that suggested a child was on hand for the entire thing. And now, Antonyan is bringing up Matteo by name in this statement, too. So, regardless of who the aggressor may have been, it sure sounds like Matteo was right there. Ugh. So, so awful.
Antonyan wrapped the statement by noting that the 42-year-old DWTS star has “a strong support group of loving family and friends” by his side as the divorce winds its way through court. The lawyer concluded:
“I am confident he will move forward from this situation with strength and dignity. Artem is fully committed to fostering a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex. Divorce is never easy, but once custody is settled, the remaining issues tend to be less emotionally charged and easier to resolve.”
Obviously, this new statement comes just a day after Artem released his own statement about the charges against him being dropped by prosecutors in Napa County. At the time, the dancer broke his silence by noting:
“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.”
Artem also spoke glowingly of Matteo in that statement, too. And, he confirmed that he was requesting joint custody with his estranged wife as their split played out:
“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.”
This back-and-forth is obviously very fluid, and very contentious. We continue to send our love and light — most especially to Matteo, who continues to be stuck in the middle of a very difficult situation.
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/.
[Image via Artem Chigvintsev/Instagram/Nikki Garcia/Instagram]
