In a fresh twist in their ongoing legal battle, Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev is now claiming damages from estranged wife Nikki Garcia after his career and income took a hit due to recent domestic violence allegations. He claims the accusations led to his removal from multiple projects, with losses reportedly totaling over $100,000.
The ongoing feud between Chigvintsev, 42, and Garcia, 40, began making headlines when news of a domestic violence incident surfaced in August 2024. Following the incident, Garcia, known for her wrestling career, secured a restraining order against Chigvintsev, claiming he posed a threat to her and their 4-year-old son, Matteo. The domestic violence charge was eventually dropped due to a lack of evidence, but the public fallout continued. Since then, both parties have filed for divorce, and each is seeking custody, with Garcia aiming for full custody of their child, while Chigvintsev pursues joint custody.
In recently filed court documents, Chigvintsev accused Garcia of making false claims that have severely impacted his professional life. “It’s not true that I haven’t been able to find work,” he stated, adding that he generally begins dance gigs each November that carry through for roughly 20 weekends. After his arrest and subsequent mugshot circulated, however, he claims his name was removed from dance faculty lists, costing him over $100,000 in lost income. Chigvintsev believes that Garcia’s accusations were strategically aimed at damaging his career while protecting her own.
In addition to lost work opportunities, Chigvintsev pointed out that he’s missed out on potential income from social media promotions. According to him, Garcia has continued to benefit from her social media presence, whereas his professional reputation has been tainted by the incident. He alleged that Garcia’s temper and volatile behavior contributed to the breakdown of their marriage, stating, “She has anger issues, not me. She pursued me, yelling and even physically attacking me. I never violently grabbed her or yelled at her in the way she claims.”
These claims stand in stark contrast to Garcia’s initial assertions, which painted Chigvintsev as the aggressor. In September, a representative for Garcia released a statement confirming she had filed for a temporary restraining order, primarily as a protective measure for herself and Matteo. The representative added that, while Garcia had requested that Napa County not pursue charges, she felt strongly that Chigvintsev needed to be held accountable. “Nikki’s priority is the safety and well-being of her son,” her spokesperson noted.
Despite these charges being dismissed, the fallout has been significant. Following the incident, Chigvintsev was notably left off the Dancing With the Stars season 33 roster, which many speculate is related to the scandal. With this omission, Chigvintsev estimates a considerable income loss, which he is now seeking compensation for. In addition, he is asking for Garcia to cover his rent and a portion of his legal fees, contending that the impact of the false accusations has extended beyond mere professional setbacks.
In court filings made on October 31, Chigvintsev alleged that Garcia’s claims have not only hurt his career but have also deprived him of valuable time with their son. He described how, after the arrest, Garcia allegedly used the legal process to restrict his contact with Matteo, allowing him only limited interaction until mid-October, when a court granted a 50/50 custody arrangement. “I’m grateful for the equal custody order,” he added, “but it doesn’t undo the pain caused by her actions, especially since I couldn’t see Matteo for nearly a month.”
Garcia has not directly addressed Chigvintsev’s accusations regarding her alleged “anger issues” and claims of physical aggression. However, sources close to Garcia continue to assert that she is focused on creating a stable environment for Matteo, and that her priority remains his well-being and safety. According to her representatives, Garcia has received an outpouring of support from fans and is committed to maintaining privacy for her family as they navigate this challenging period.
Chigvintsev’s legal battles appear to be far from over, as he seeks not only financial recovery but also a public vindication from the alleged false accusations.
