Nikki Garcia, better known as Nikki Bella, is breaking her silence on the fallout from her tumultuous split with Artem Chigvintsev.
The former couple, who share a 3-year-old son, Matteo, filed for divorce following an alleged domestic violence incident that landed Artem in Napa County Jail on a felony charge in August. Both have since been granted restraining orders against each other.
In her emotional return to her podcast with twin sister Brie Garcia, Nikki addressed the ordeal, sharing her heartbreak and her focus on protecting Matteo. I needed to disconnect because, first things first, Im a mom and my sons protection and privacy is the most important, she said. I was going to do whatever it took for that, most importantly. Then, needing space for healing and facing trauma. Its been tough. Its been really tough. Ive been heartbroken and sad.
Reflecting on the end of their relationship, Nikki described it as a great love story turned terrible and admitted, I never saw it coming. She also revealed that she kept up appearances for the public but regrets not being truthful about their struggles sooner. Things havent been great for a long time. I really played it up that things were a lot better than what they were in the public eye, she admitted.
The alleged incident claimed Artem placed his hands on Nikkis chest near her sternum, pressing down so hard she felt suffocated. Nikki says she grabbed at his neck in an attempt to get him off her. Artems lawyer, Ilona Antonyan, denied the allegations, insisting Artem was not the aggressor.
When you know the truth, nothing else matters, Nikki said, addressing the public fallout. Because I know the truth and I actually lived it, it didnt have a big effect on me because people werent there that day. People dont know what Ive gone through, what I am going through.
Despite the pain, Nikki emphasized that Matteo remains her priority and expressed hope for a civil co-parenting relationship with Artem in the future. In the end, we werent bringing the best out in each other. We probably should have walked away a long time ago so in the end what happened, would not have happened, she said.
Nikki also shared her determination to move forward. I want to remain strong for Matteo, she said. Im over hiding, and I just want to live my life.
Nikki Bellas raw honesty sheds light on the challenges of navigating heartbreak, public scrutiny, and protecting her son. While the road ahead may not be easy, her focus on Matteo and her commitment to moving forward show her resilience. This story is far from over, but one thing is clearNikki is determined to write her own next chapter. What do you think about her perspective? Drop a comment and join the conversation!
What are your thoughts on Nikki Bellas revelations? Do you think they can build a healthy co-parenting relationship for Matteo? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
