Artem Chigvintsev is “relieved and grateful” that he will not face domestic violence charges as his divorce from Nikki Bella proceeds.
The former “Dancing with the Stars” pro, 42, issued a statement on Wednesday saying he is “thankful that the truth has prevailed.” Just one day prior, the District Attorney in Napa County, Calif., decided not to file criminal charges against Chigvintsev following his arrest on Aug. 29 for suspected domestic violence.
“I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped,” Chigvintsev said in a statement posted to his Instagram story. “This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed.”
The dancer added that his “focus has always been and will always be” his 4-year-old son with Bella, Matteo.
“He is my world, and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life,” Chigvintsev continued. “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.”
Bella, 40, filed for divorce from Chigvintsev on Sept. 11. In her petition, the former WWE wrestler asked for sole custody of their son. Chigvintsev responded with a request for joint custody and spousal support.
Following the Napa County DA’s decision not to charge Chigvintsev, a lawyer for the “DWTS” alum told The Post that Bella’s ex had “maintained his innocence from the beginning.”
“He is grateful that the district attorney accurately assessed what took place and determined he should not be charged,” attorney Dimitry Gorin said in a statement.
“He enjoys tremendous support from the community, and requests privacy for the pending divorce matter. He loves his son, wants the best possible for him, and looks forward to the next chapter in his life professionally and as a father.”
As for why the Napa County DA didn’t file charges against Chigvintsev, the prosecutor’s office explained, “The decision to not file charges against Mr. Chigvintsev was made after a thorough review of the criminal investigation and careful evaluation of the evidence presented to the DA’s Office.”
District Attorney Allison Haley added, “While we take every arrest seriously and stand firmly against domestic violence, we have an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by the evidence.”
“We are required to prove any and every criminal charge ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ which is the highest standard in the American criminal justice system. If the available evidence doesn’t rise to this level of proof, then we cannot ethically file charges.”
Chigvintsev’s arrest happened three days after he and Bella, aka Nikki Garcia, celebrated their second wedding anniversary. The “Total Divas” star was effusive in an Instagram reel of moments from their 2022 Paris wedding, writing, “It was all meant to be.”
Chigvintsev also celebrated their anniversary on social media, sharing photos from their big day, writing in the caption, “can’t see my life with out you[.] You are my everything ❤️.”
However, the couple’s relationship was reportedly “volatile” for years before Chigvintsev’s arrest.
Chigvintsev was taken into custody by Sheriffs in Napa, Calif., last month after he made a 911 call requesting medical assistance for someone at the home. According to dispatch audio obtained by TMZ, he said his wife had thrown a shoe at him. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they arrested Chigvintsev after determining injuries were present. He was booked and released later that day on a $25,000 bond.
Chigvintsev and Bella met when the former pro wrestler competed on “DWTS” in 2017. She was in a relationship with WWE star John Cena at the time. They broke up in July 2018.
