WWE star Nikki Bella reportedly filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev following a domestic violence incident.
Bella, whose legal last name is Garcia, filed the paperwork in Napa Valley, California, on Wednesday, according to Closer Weekly. The couple were married for two years. Bella submitted the court documents just two weeks after Chigvintsev was arrested for felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant Aug. 29. He was later released on $25,000 bail, according to Closer Weekly.
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 25: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev are seen on June 25, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Hollywood To You/Star Max/GC Images) Getty Images
Initial reports of the domestic incident didn’t specify who the victim was, but it was later determined that that Chigvintsev was charged in accordance with the California Penal Code Section 273.5(a). “PC makes it illegal to injure a spouse, cohabitant or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence. This offense is also referred to as domestic abuse, domestic violence, or corporal injury to a spouse,” according to Closer Weekly.
Napa County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Henry Wofford issued a statement soon after the “Dancing With The Stars” alum was arrested.
“When it comes to felony domestic violence, it’s not based on hearsay. The deputies saw something that is apparent,” Wofford said, according to Closer Weekly.
“I’m not telling you this is what happened in this particular case, but sometimes there would be evidence of blood, sometimes scratches, sometimes it’s bruises – it’s something visible where the deputies said, ‘OK, we’re making this arrest,'” he noted.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 25: Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev are seen outside “Good Morning America” on January 25, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/2023 GC images) Getty Images
The audio recordings from a 911 call initiated by Chigvintsev was later released by TMZ.
He was heard telling the dispatcher that Bella threw shoes at him. The dispatcher said the call “initially came in as requesting medical, but now he is stating he got into an argument with his wife and his wife threw shoes at RP [reporting party].”
Further into the conversation the dispatcher said, “there is a child on scene. Medical en route.”
Chigvintsev is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment Nov. 4.
The estranged couple shares a 4-year old son named Matteo, and had just finished celebrating their 2nd anniversary by sharing sweet messages and memories on social media. (RELATED: Dave Grohl Announces He Fathered A Child Outside Of His Marriage)
Bella’s representatives issued a brief statement following the incident saying only, “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
