Artem Chigvintsev was not the “main aggressor” in the domestic violence incident with Nikki Garcia

Artem Chigvintsev's lawyer came to his aid on Wednesday, shortly after the former “Dancing with the Stars” cast member broke his silence on his Aug. 29 arrest for domestic violence.

“My understanding of the investigated facts surrounding the 8/29/24 incident led me to conclude from the outset that Artem was not the primary aggressor,” his lawyer Ilona Antonyan said in a statement to People.

“I believe this would be true even if the burden of proof were based on a preponderance of the evidence, which is the standard of proof in family court.”

The 42-year-old's lawyer further claimed that her client had “protected himself and [his son] Matteo.” Chigvintsev has his four-year-old son with his estranged wife Nikki Garcia, also known as Nikki Bella.

Garcia, 40, filed for divorce from her son's father on Sept. 11, less than two weeks after he was arrested on domestic violence charges.

“Fortunately, he has a strong support group of loving family and friends. I am confident that he will come out of this situation with strength and dignity,” Antonyan added.

“Artem is determined to build a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex. Divorce is never easy, but once custody is resolved, the remaining issues are usually less emotionally charged and easier to resolve.”

Chigvintsev's lawyer also stressed that the ex-partners can now focus on their divorce and custody agreement after domestic violence charges against Chigvintsev were dropped on Tuesday.

“We can now focus on negotiating a joint 50/50 custody plan. Fortunately, Artem has been able to spend time with Matteo almost every day since the incident on August 29, 2024,” his attorney said.

“He is a very involved, interactive, caring and loving father.”

Earlier on Wednesday, the Russian dancer gave a statement to E! News about the domestic violence incident that occurred at his Napa, California home on August 29. At the time, his bail was set at $25,000 and he was released that same afternoon.

Although it is not confirmed whether Garcia was the victim of domestic violence in the incident, a 911 call revealed that he had been arguing with his soon-to-be ex-wife in front of their son prior to the call.

“I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped,” Chigvintsev said.

“This was an extremely difficult time for me. I am grateful that the truth has come to light.”

At the time of publication, Chigvintsev's representative had no further comment for Page Six.

The proud father noted that his “focus has always been and always will be on his son Matteo.”

“He is my everything and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life,” he added. “My greatest concern has always been for him. I am determined to continue to give him the love, support and care he needs as we move forward. I am confident that securing joint custody will help us move forward.”

Garcia and her estranged husband married in August 2022 after meeting on season 25 of “DWTS” in 2019.

If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.