Artem Chigvintsev’s Lawyer Argues He Was Not the ‘Primary Aggressor’ in Domestic Battery Case

Artem Chigvintsev, recognized for his work on Dancing With The Stars and his marriage to former WWE star Nikki Bella, made headlines after his arrest for domestic battery. With that said, his lawyer has now asserted that the star was not the primary aggressor in the incident.

Nikki Bella filed for divorce from Artem following the incident, and she is seeking full custody of their son. In response to her divorce petition, Artem has officially filed for joint custody of his son. As reported earlier, Artem Chigvintsev will not be facing criminal charges for his arrest on domestic battery.

Chigvintsev’s attorney, Ilona Antonyan, provided a statement to PEOPLE about the ongoing divorce between her client and Bella. She mentioned that they can now focus on establishing a shared 50/50 custody schedule. Since the incident on August 29, 2024, Artem has been able to spend time with their child, Matteo, almost every day.

Antonyan also addressed the details surrounding the morning of Artem’s arrest, emphasizing that he is a dedicated and loving parent. She expressed her belief that Artem was not the primary aggressor in the incident, suggesting he was protecting himself and Matteo.

The lawyer noted that Artem has a strong support network of family and friends, which she believes will help him move forward with strength and dignity. Antonyan stated that he is committed to fostering a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex. While divorce is challenging, she indicated that once custody is settled, other issues tend to become less emotionally charged and easier to resolve.

“We can now focus on negotiating a shared 50/50 custody schedule. Fortunately, Artem has been able to spend time with Matteo almost every day since 8/29/2024 incident. He is a very dedicated, interactive, nurturing, and loving parent. My understanding of the investigated facts surrounding the 8/29/24 incident have led me to conclude from the beginning that Artem was not the primary aggressor. I believe that to be true even if the burden of proof would be the preponderance of evidence, which is the standard of proof in family court. He was protecting himself and Matteo.

Fortunately, he has a strong support group of loving family and friends. I am confident he will move forward from this situation with strength and dignity. Artem is fully committed to fostering a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex. Divorce is never easy, but once custody is settled, the remaining issues tend to be less emotionally charged and easier to resolve.”

Even Brie Bella addressed Nikki Bella’s current situation as she navigates her divorce with Artem. Nonetheless, fans of Nikki Bella may take offence to what Artem’s lawyer had to say, and we will have to wait and see how their divorce case will proceed, as it may get ugly with time.

What’s your opinion on Artem Chigvintsev’s lawyer claiming he wasn’t the primary aggressor? Do you believe that is the truth? Sound off in the comments section below!