Unpacking Artem Chigvintsev's Past: A Look At His Former Marriages

Artem Chigvintsev, widely recognized for his captivating performances on "Dancing With the Stars," has carved out a significant career in the world of professional dance. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the ballroom, fans often find themselves curious about the personal lives of their favorite stars. For Artem, his romantic journey has been as much in the public eye as his professional one, particularly his two marriages. While his recent union with Nikki Bella (now Nikki Garcia) has garnered considerable attention, many might not be aware of his first marriage. This article delves into the details of both of Artem Chigvintsev's past relationships, shedding light on the women who have played significant roles in his life.

Giselle Peacock: The First Chapter

Before his high-profile relationship with Nikki Garcia, Artem Chigvintsev was married to another talented ballroom dancer, Giselle Peacock. Their story began in the competitive world of dance, where their paths crossed and a connection formed.

A Ballroom Beginning and Swift End

Giselle Peacock, a former ballroom dancer and champion herself, met Artem at a competition. Their shared passion for dance blossomed into a romance, leading them to tie the knot in 2004. However, their marriage was notably brief. The couple divorced in 2005, just a year after exchanging vows. The reason cited for their separation points to Artem's burgeoning career and his pursuit of fame and success, particularly with his involvement in "Dancing With the Stars." It's suggested that he left her for these new opportunities, leading to the dissolution of their union.

Despite its short duration, the relationship with Giselle Peacock undoubtedly played a role in shaping Artem. As a professional ballroom dancer herself, Giselle understood the demands and dedication required for the craft, a common ground that likely influenced their early connection. While their marriage did not endure, it remains a significant, albeit brief, chapter in Artem Chigvintsev's personal history, marking his first foray into matrimony.

Nikki Garcia (formerly Bella): A High-Profile Union and Tumultuous Split

Years after his divorce from Giselle, Artem Chigvintsev entered into a much more public and extensively documented relationship with former WWE superstar Nikki Bella, now known as Nikki Garcia. Their romance captivated fans, from their initial pairing on "Dancing With the Stars" to their engagement and eventual marriage.

From Reality TV Romance to Marriage

Artem and Nikki's relationship evolved in the public eye, culminating in their marriage in August 2022. Their union was celebrated by fans of both the wrestling and dance worlds, appearing to be a fairytale ending for the couple who had navigated the complexities of fame together. However, just two years into their marriage, cracks began to show, leading to a highly publicized separation and divorce proceedings.

The Unraveling: Divorce and Domestic Incident

The split between Artem and Nikki took a dramatic turn with a domestic violence arrest involving Artem in August 2024. Following an alleged incident with ex-wife Nikki Garcia, Artem Chigvintsev was arrested. This event, as Artem himself later reflected, "completely ruined everything" in his life, including his relationship with his ex-wife. The gravity of the situation became clear when audio of the 911 call was released, confirming Nikki "Bella" Garcia's presence during the incident, with Artem claiming she "threw shoes" at him from inside the home they shared.

Nikki Garcia has since begun to open up about her split from Artem for the first time. Returning to her podcast, "The Nikki & Brie Show," in December, she shared her perspective on the separation. The situation was further complicated by differing accounts of the split, with both Artem and Nikki reportedly sharing different stories about what led to their decision to part ways.

Financial Settlements and Co-Parenting Realities

The divorce settlement between Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia has also drawn considerable attention, particularly regarding the financial aspects. Nikki Garcia was ordered to pay her ex-husband Artem a lump sum of $200,000, in addition to $3,500 a month in child support. This significant payout was something Nikki seemingly took in stride, stating that she "didn't break a sweat" over the sum and was, in fact, expecting a "heftier payout." She also made it clear that she was "cheering" despite the financial arrangement.

In the wake of the divorce, Artem Chigvintsev has also made significant life changes. After Nikki Bella was awarded their marital property, Artem purchased a new $915,000 house in Napa Valley. Despite the complexities of their separation and the legal ramifications, both Artem and Nikki are navigating the challenges of co-parenting their child. Artem has candidly spoken about this aspect, stating that co-parenting is "definitely doable," indicating a commitment to working together for the sake of their child's well-being, even amidst their personal differences and the public scrutiny following his arrest and the divorce settlement.

The Enduring Impact of Past Relationships

Artem Chigvintsev's journey through marriage, from his brief union with Giselle Peacock to his high-profile divorce from Nikki Garcia, highlights the personal complexities that often accompany public life. Each relationship, regardless of its duration or outcome, has undoubtedly played a role in shaping him, both personally and professionally. These experiences, while sometimes tumultuous, offer a glimpse into the life of a public figure navigating love, fame, and the challenges that come with both.

In summary, Artem Chigvintsev has been married twice. His first wife was fellow ballroom dancer Giselle Peacock, a marriage that lasted only a year from 2004 to 2005, reportedly ending due to his pursuit of fame with "Dancing With the Stars." His second marriage was to WWE star Nikki Garcia (formerly Bella) in August 2022. This high-profile union ended in a tumultuous divorce, marked by a domestic violence arrest involving Artem in August 2024, significant financial settlements where Nikki was ordered to pay Artem a lump sum and child support, and ongoing efforts to co-parent their child amidst public scrutiny and differing narratives about their split.