Artem Chigvintsev claims Nikki Garcia MADE UP domestic violence allegations… after she says he got mean when cut from DWTS

Artem Chigvintsev is pushing back against serious allegations from his estranged wife, Nikki Garcia, as their divorce continues to heat up. 

The Dancing with the Stars alum is denying claims of domestic violence, which Nikki detailed in a restraining order she obtained earlier this week.

In new legal documents, obtained by TMZ on Thursday, Artem accuses Nikki of fabricating the domestic violence allegations that led to his arrest in late August. 

He also paints a picture of Nikki as the aggressor in their volatile relationship, claiming her anger issues were a key factor in the breakdown of their two-year marriage. 

In the restraining order, Nikki claims Artem ‘grew increasingly angry’ after being cut from Dancing with the Stars, leading to hostility and eventually violence. 

In new legal documents, obtained by TMZ on Thursday, Artem accuses Nikki of fabricating the domestic violence allegations that led to his arrest in late August 

Artem also provided the court with photos showing injuries to his hand, elbow, and the back of his head, alleging that Nikki was responsible for the physical harm. These incidents, he claims, culminated in his arrest.

According to Artem’s version of events, the conflict that led to his arrest unfolded on August 29 in their Napa County, California home. 

He was preparing breakfast for their 4-year-old son, Matteo, when Nikki, who was stressed about an upcoming Netflix event, became upset. 

Artem alleges that the argument began over his ‘failure’ to adequately toast the bread, as Nikki criticized his cooking.