Artem Chigvintsev is accusing his estranged wife, Nikki “Bella” Garcia, of being the aggressor in their recent domestic violence dispute – and has photos showing the marks she allegedly left him.
In the images, obtained by The Post Friday, the “Dancing With the Stars” alum, 40, shows scratches on his elbow, behind his ear and on his hands.
“Mr. Chigvintsev contacted law enforcement on 8/29/24 seeking protection from his wife’s persistent aggression,” his attorney, Ilona Antonyan, claimed in a statement.
“While he was on the phone with the police, Ms. Garcia-Colace made a pointed statement, saying, ‘Do you understand where this is going now, Artem? You just ruined my career, and you know it.’”
Chigvintsev was granted a restraining order against Garcia, 40, Thursday, according to Superior Court of California records reviewed by Page Six.
Earlier on Thursday, however, the former WWE superstar was granted her own restraining order against her estranged husband.
Garcia – who shares 4-year-old son Matteo with Chigvintsev – claimed in her filing that the pro dancer had become “increasingly angry, snapping at [her] and yelling” leading up to their Aug. 29 blowout.
She admitted to throwing her toddler’s shoes at Chigvintsev, but claimed he escalated the ordeal.
Garcia also alleged her ex ran up to a bedroom with Matteo, and when she tried to go into the room, he allegedly tackled her. She also claimed their son told officers, “Daddy hurt my hand.”
“[Chigvintsev] denies ever tackling her. He was shocked to learn two weeks after the incident that she made this allegation against him; at that point it made sense to him why he was arrested,” Antonyan told The Post.
“As a result of wife’s self-serving statement, Mr. Chigvintsev’s career suffered, with numerous opportunities being canceled due to these false allegations.”
The lawyer further alleged, “Mr. Chigvintsev’s case highlights this reality. He was not the primary aggressor.”
Page Six has reached out to Garcia’s reps for comment but did not immediately hear back.
After Chigvintsev was arrested in late August, law enforcement in Napa Valley launched an investigation.
However, the domestic violence charges against the dancer were ultimately dropped, with the district attorney sharing in September that they could only pursue charges “supported by the evidence.”
Chigvintsev said in a statement shortly after, “I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed.”
Last month, Garcia filed to divorce Chigvintsev after two years of marriage. She is also seeking full custody of their son.
