Nikki Garcia is opening up like never before, shedding light on the emotional journey she’s been navigating following her split from Artem Chigvintsev. After nearly two weeks of finalizing their divorce and agreeing to move past their dual restraining orders as part of their settlement, the Total Bellas star is reflecting on the difficult chapter of her life.
This candid conversation comes just months after the shocking event where Artem—who shares a 4-year-old son, Matteo, with Nikki—was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence. Fortunately, no charges were filed against him. But the arrest marked a turning point in their relationship, leading to their eventual separation.
In a deeply personal moment during the December 2 episode of the Nikki & Brie Podcast, Nikki told her sister, Brie Garcia, “I’m going to try my best not to get too emotional in this episode.” She went on to express gratitude to everyone who has supported her through this tumultuous time: “I first want to just thank everyone—listeners, family, friends, coworkers, even people I haven’t talked to in a long time—for all the love, the respect of privacy and space.”
Nikki’s decision to step away from the spotlight over the past few months wasn’t an easy one. As she explained, “The past few months, I disconnected from social media, from the world. I just knew I needed to do that, because first and foremost, I’m a mom, and my son’s protection and privacy are the most important things. I was going to do whatever it took to ensure that, and also to take the time I needed for healing and confronting the trauma head-on. It’s been tough. It’s been really tough.”
The 41-year-old mother of one openly shared how emotionally draining the split has been. She admitted, “I’ve been heartbroken, sad. You dream of having this perfect family and envisioning this incredible love story, and then it all falls apart. You go from what you thought was a great love story to a devastating one. I never saw any of this coming. The way it ended was a total shock. It’s been a struggle, to say the least.”
In her divorce filing, Nikki listed Artem’s arrest as their official separation date, which was a pivotal moment that marked the end of their two-year marriage. While the heartbreak of the split was evident, Nikki emphasized that her primary focus remains on her son’s well-being and ensuring his privacy through it all.
As she opened up more about her feelings, Nikki said, “It’s been so shocking, beyond words. It’s been heartbreaking. You lose your appetite, you cry a lot, but I had to step up and make sure everything was okay for Matteo.” The emotional toll has been overwhelming, and Nikki confessed that she often struggled to put her feelings into words. Still, she’s doing her best to power through for her son.
Looking ahead, Nikki has chosen to focus on her own healing and that of her son. “The one thing I’ve realized during this time of disconnecting from the world is that when you know the truth, nothing else matters,” she shared. “When people would come to me and tell me what others were saying or what was out there, it would affect me, but because I know the truth and I lived it, those external opinions don’t have the same impact anymore.” She added with clarity, “All I need to do now is focus on healing, both for myself and for Matteo.”
Meanwhile, Artem, who had his own response to the difficult situation, disputed Nikki’s account of their confrontation. According to his filed response, he claimed that Nikki was the aggressor during their August confrontation. In a statement following the incident, Artem expressed that his primary concern was always Matteo. He said, “He is my world, and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life.” Artem continued, “All along, my main concern has been for him. I am committed to continuing to provide him with the love, support, and care he needs as we move forward.”
Artem also shared that he hoped to secure an equal custody arrangement, stating, “I am hopeful that securing an equal custody arrangement will help us both move on and do what’s best for Matteo.”
The split has undoubtedly been challenging for both Nikki and Artem, but their top priority is undoubtedly their son’s future. While they navigate through the complexities of their legal battle, both seem determined to put Matteo first, ensuring his well-being and stability despite the circumstances.
This chapter in Nikki’s life is a heartbreaking one, but it's clear that she is trying to find a path toward healing. With her son’s needs in the forefront, Nikki is doing her best to focus on rebuilding her life while processing the emotional weight of her recent experiences. It’s a painful journey, but one she is taking step by step.
As the legal battle continues, the public’s eyes remain on Nikki and Artem’s every move, but the reality is that their main priority is and always will be their little boy, Matteo. Despite the turmoil, it seems both are committed to providing him with the love and support he needs to thrive moving forward. Their journey may not be easy, but Nikki’s willingness to share her story shows a level of strength and resilience that cannot be ignored.
This tumultuous chapter is far from over, but with each passing day, Nikki and Artem’s story is becoming a testament to the challenges and complexities of modern relationships, parenthood, and the emotional toll of a public split. Through the pain, the lessons, and the healing, one thing is clear: family comes first, and both Nikki and Artem are committed to doing what’s best for Matteo.
Though the road ahead is uncertain, Nikki’s openness and commitment to protecting her son’s privacy, while healing herself, shows a remarkable level of courage. It's a reminder to all of us that even in the most difficult of circumstances, the power of love, resilience, and self-care can help pave the way forward.
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