New information about Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev’s divorce has surfaced.
The former WWE star, 40, is requesting legal and physical custody of their son, Matteo, 4, after filing for divorce from the “Dancing With the Stars” pro, 42, Wednesday.
Bella cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation, according to the documents obtained by TMZ.
She also listed the date of separation as Aug. 29, the day Chigvintsev was arrested on a domestic violence charge in Napa, California.
The filing comes weeks after Chigvintsev was taken into custody by the Napa County Sheriff’s Department on a felony domestic violence charge falling under a California penal code that “makes it illegal to injure a spouse, cohabitant or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence.” Visible injuries must be present in order for the suspected crime to be raised to a felony.
The ballroom vet’s bail was set at $25,000, and he was released later that day. His mugshot surfaced online shortly after.
TMZ reported that Chigvintsev’s alleged victim asked for confidentiality following his arrest and was cooperating with police amid the investigation.
Chigvintsev also made a 911 call earlier in the day, asking for medical assistance for the alleged victim while claiming his wife threw a shoe at him. Minutes later, the Broadway star called back to cancel the emergency services; however, cops still showed up at the house.
Insiders told TMZ that the former couple had an alleged history of verbal altercations but claimed they were unaware of anything physical. The sources described Chigvintsev’s arrest as “shocking but not shocking” and claimed he did not return to their marital home after being released from lockup.
Bella and Chigvintsev had celebrated their second wedding anniversary three days before the “Strictly Come Dancing” alum’s arrest.
The athlete posted a reel from their 2022 Paris wedding set to Haley Reinhart’s rendition of the Elvis classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” She explained the song’s special meaning, calling it their “love story.”
Chigvintsev also took to his own page and referred to Bella as his “everything.”
After the alleged altercation, the reality star asked for respect and understanding. A rep for Bella told The Post, “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
Following Chigvintsev’s arrest, a source told Page Six about the Mirrorball champ’s future on the coveted dance stage, revealing, “There were no plans for Artem Chigvintsev to be a part of Season 33 of ‘Dancing With the Stars,’ ” which premieres Sept. 17 on ABC.
