HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 24: Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella attends the 9th Annual Variety – The Children’s Charity Poker and Casino Night at Paramount Studios on July 24, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
Artem Chigvintsev has expressed his relief after being cleared of domestic violence charges.
The 42 year old dance professional, known for his appearances on and Dancing With The Stars, was embroiled in serious allegations last month that led to him spending a night in Napa County Jail. He faced charges under penal code 273.5(a), which pertains to inflicting injury on a spouse, cohabitant, or co-parent.
Artem, who is married to retired WWE wrestler Nikki Bella, has not received any public comments from his wife regarding the arrest on 29 August; however, she filed for divorce shortly thereafter on 11 September. But now, with all charges dismissed, Artem took to social media last Thursday to share his relief and joy.
Celebrating his exoneration, he posted: “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.”
He elaborated further, saying, “My focus has always been and will always be, our 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”, reports .
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Artem Chigvintsev photographed in 2023 (Image: Getty Images)
The Russian professional dancer continued: “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 went on to say: “I look forward to moving past this chapter and focusing on what truly matters – continue being the best father I can be.”
Express Online has reached out to Artem Chigvintsev’s representative for a statement.
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Artem and Nikki’s son was born on 31 July 2020. It is understood that the duo are currently embroiled in a custody battle amidst their ongoing divorce proceedings.
After a lengthy three-year engagement, the couple tied the knot on 26 August 2022. They first crossed paths on Dancing With The Stars back in 2017, dancing together in season 25 of the acclaimed US dance contest.
In an interview in November last year, Artem reflected on the profound impact Matteo had on his life with Nikki, musing over their family’s future. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, he remarked: “First of all, I never thought I’d be a dad, then I never thought I would have a son. He’s part of the crew. I feel like the dance legacy needs to continue and hopefully it’ll better the juniors. Then, who knows, our children might be doing it right.”
As for expanding their brood, Artem admitted: “I’m not the one carrying [the child] around for nine months. So that’s not going to be my question to answer.”