Artem Chigvintsev Set the Record Straight on Alleged Plans to 'Reconcile' With Nikki Garcia
Artem Chigvintsev is speaking out against claims he wants to “reconcile” with Nikki Garcia amid their divorce.
Garcia and Chigvintsev’s marriage crumbled in late August after he was arrested for domestic violence in Napa, California. The charges were dropped in September, but the damage was done, and the former WWE personality filed for divorce after two years of marriage. Now, after a source claimed Chigvintsev wants to make amends with his estranged wife, he is speaking out.
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“The reporting that I wanted to reconcile with Nikki is incorrect,” Chigvintsev said in a statement to People. According to his attorney Ilona Antonyan, Chigvintsev has not been in communication with his ex since since early October.
Chigvintsev statement comes after an Us Weekly source claimed that the Dancing With the Stars pro “wanted to reconcile with Nikki.” The source said: “He doesn’t want the family to be divided, and [would love] to put this behind them.” The source hinted that an it appears to be a one-sided reconciliation, though, as Garcia isn’t interested in working things out with her ex. “Nikki wants to move forward,” they said while noting that Chigvintsev will “respect [Nikki’s] wishes and boundaries” in their relationship.
Garcia was granted a restraining order against Chigvintsev on Sept. 30, and conversely, the dancer’s request for his own restraining order against Garcia was granted on Oct. 4, per People. There will be more details forthcoming with the protective orders when the former couple is due in court on Oct. 21 for a hearing.
Garcia hasn’t commented publicly yet, but Chigvintsev issued a statement to ABC News after learning the charges against him were dropped. “This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed,” he said. “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.”
The pair’s romance began on the 25th season of Dancing With the Stars after they were partnered together. The chemistry on the dance floor was evident right away, but she was engaged to John Cena. Their love eventually blossomed after she ended her relationship with the wrestler in July 2018. Garcia got engaged to Chigvintsev in November 2019 and married in August 2022. They share one son, Matteo, who was born in July 2020.
Before you go, click here to see celebrity couples who have called off their divorces.
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