Brie Garcia Gives Update on Sister Nikki After Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest: 'She's Going Through Something Personal'

Brie Garcia shares an update on how her sister Nikki Garcia is doing after her divorce from Artem Chigvintsev.

In the latest episode The Nikki & Brie ShowBrie explained that her sister will not be participating in the episode due to recent events, which also included the arrest of Chigvintsev on suspicion of domestic violence on August 29.

“Nikki’s not here because, as you all know, she’s going through something personal in her life,” Brie said. “And she’s just asking for her privacy for herself and her family, so we’re going to give her that.”

“But look at all the support and love,” she added. “We are always grateful for all your love and support, so thank you all for that.”

Brie said that Nikki plans to return to the podcast next week.

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev relationship timeline

Brie Bella and Nikki Bella.

Jon Kopaloff/Getty

The announcement comes just days after the former WWE wrestlers were seen shopping for pumpkins together in Napa Valley, California on September 20. Nikki didn’t wear a wedding ring because the outing came just a week after she filed for divorce from Dancing with the stars alum.

Nikki filed for divorce nearly two weeks after Chigvintsev, 42, was arrested on charges of assaulting a spouse in Napa Valley, California, on Thursday, August 29. Documents previously obtained by PEOPLE show he was arrested and then held in the Napa County Jail, where he was arraigned and held on $25,000 bail before being released less than an hour later. Although never specifically confirmed, Nikki is likely the spouse in question.

Representative for Total Bellas star later confirmed to PEOPLE that she filed for divorce on 9/11 and “continues to seek privacy for her and her family at this time.”

In her petition, obtained by PEOPLE, Nikki sought sole legal and physical custody of their 4-year-old son Matteo, allowing visitation with Chigvintsev. She also asked the court to terminate spousal support for both parties.

Nikki Garcia lists the date of separation as the date of Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest for domestic violence in the divorce papers

Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella.

MediaPunch/Shutterstock

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Two days later, on Sept. 13, Chigvintsev filed a response seeking joint legal and physical custody of their 4-year-old son, Matteo, and for his estranged wife to pay child support in addition to his attorney fees.

“At this time, Mr. Chigvintsev will not comment on any pending proceedings,” Chigvintsev’s attorney, Ilona Antonyan, told PEOPLE at the time. “The parties are focused on co-parenting and working together for the best interests of their son.”

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Source: HIS Education