Artem Chigvintsev was not the “main aggressor” in the Nikki Bella incident

Artem Chigvintsev was not the “main aggressor” during the domestic violence incident with his estranged wife, Nikki Garcia (formerly known as Nikki Bella), according to his lawyer.

“My understanding of the investigated facts surrounding the 8/29/24 incident led me to conclude from the beginning that Artem was not the primary aggressor,” said Artem's attorney. Ilona Antonyansaid in a statement to People on Wednesday, September 25. “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.”

She further claimed that 42-year-old Artem wanted to “protect himself” and his and Nikki’s son Matteo.

“Fortunately, he has a strong support group of loving family and friends. I am confident he will emerge from this situation with strength and dignity,” the statement continued. “Artem is committed to building a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex. Divorce is never easy, but once custody is resolved, the remaining issues tend to be less emotionally charged and easier to resolve.”

The attorney added that she and Artem were focused on “negotiating 50/50 shared custody.”

“Fortunately, since the incident on August 29, 2024, Artem has been able to spend time with Matteo almost every day,” the statement said. “He is a very involved, interactive, caring and loving father.”

Artem was charged with domestic violence in Napa County, California on August 29. Although the victim has not yet been confirmed, Dancing with the stars Pro was charged under California Penal Code 273.5(a), which “makes it illegal to injure a spouse, domestic partner, or co-parent in an act of domestic violence. This offense is also known as domestic abuse, domestic violence, or assault of a spouse.”

Later that day, he posted $25,000 bail and was released hours after his arrest. The domestic violence charge against Artem was eventually dropped on Tuesday, September 24.

In the meantime, Artem broke his silence in a statement on September 25 regarding the dropped charges. “I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped,” he said E! News“This was an extremely difficult time for me. I am grateful that the truth has come to light.”

Nikki, 40, filed for divorce on Sept. 11 in Napa Valley, Calif., after two years of marriage. In her filing, she asked for sole custody of Matteo, 4, but did not seek to block her ex's visitation rights. Artem filed his own divorce papers on Sept. 13, requesting joint custody and spousal support.

After the documents were made public, an insider told exclusively Life & Style that the former wrestler is “absolutely furious that Artem is demanding spousal support.”

“She is still in shock and wondering, 'Who the hell did I marry?'” the source continued. “She is speechless at Artem's audacity and shamelessness.”

The insider added that Nikki “wants to fight back” and “hopes that if it does come to that, a judge will see through his disgusting and exploitative money-making scheme.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.