Artem Chigvintsev, the renowned Dancing With the Stars alum, has recently opened up about his priorities amidst a challenging legal battle with his estranged wife, Nikki Garcia. Following his arrest for domestic violence on August 29, prosecutors decided not to file charges, allowing Artem to focus on moving forward from what he described as an “extremely difficult time.” Despite the turmoil, his main concern remains his 4-year-old son, Matteo, whom he shares with Nikki Garcia.
In a statement to E! News on September 25, Artem expressed his unwavering commitment to Matteo, stating, “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.” He emphasized his dedication to providing Matteo with the love, support, and care he needs as they navigate the challenges ahead. Artem also expressed hope in securing an equal custody arrangement with Nikki, aiming to foster a positive co-parenting relationship for the well-being of their child.
Nikki, who filed for divorce from Artem on September 11, cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. In her filing, she requested sole legal and physical custody of Matteo, with visitation rights for Artem. However, Artem countered with a filing seeking joint legal and physical custody, as well as spousal support. Despite the legal complexities, Artem remains steadfast in his commitment to being the best father he can be and moving past this tumultuous chapter in his life.
Artem has previously shared his sentiments on fatherhood, expressing his surprise and joy at becoming a dad. In a 2023 interview with Entertainment Tonight, he reflected on the profound impact of fatherhood, stating, “I never thought I would be a dad. Then I never thought I would have a son who would be as cute as him.” His journey into parenthood has been a transformative experience, filled with abundant love and a deep desire to nurture and support his child.
As Artem navigates the challenges of his personal life, his professional endeavors have also faced scrutiny in the wake of his legal battle. His arrest, which occurred shortly before the premiere of Dancing With the Stars season 33, raised questions about his future involvement in the show. Despite his absence from the current season’s cast, Artem’s impact as a past Mirrorball winner and seasoned competitor on the series has left a lasting legacy in the dancing world.
In the aftermath of his arrest, fellow Dancing With the Stars pro Cheryl Burke shared her reaction to the news, expressing shock and concern for those involved. As a former colleague and friend of Artem, Burke conveyed her heartfelt support for everyone affected by the situation, highlighting the complexities of navigating personal challenges in the public eye.
Following a thorough review of the criminal investigation, Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced on September 24, 2024, that no charges would be filed against Artem Chigvintsev. The decision marked a significant relief for Artem, who expressed gratitude for the resolution of the legal matter. With the domestic violence charge dropped, Artem looks ahead to a new chapter focused on co-parenting with Nikki and prioritizing the well-being of their son, Matteo.
As Artem continues to navigate the complexities of his personal and professional life, he remains committed to moving forward with grace and resilience. Despite the challenges he has faced, his unwavering dedication to his son and his aspirations for a positive co-parenting relationship reflect his resilience and determination to prioritize what truly matters in life.
