Artem Chigvintsev 1st Instagram Post Since Nikki Bella Divorce

Artem Chigvintsev returned to Instagram and shared his first photos since his divorce from ex-wife Nikki Garcia (formerly known as Nikki Bella), dedicating the post to their 4-year-old son, Matteo.

On Monday, December 23, the professional dancer, 42, shared black and white photos with his son, who looks like a mini version of his dad. The pair took selfies while lying down, and Matteo showcased his deep love for his father by hugging him around his neck and belly laughing together. Fans watched the pictures flash as the Instagram Reel played My Sun and Stars’ song “You Make Me Happy.”

Fans welcomed Artem back to the social media app in the comments section of the post, where they vocalized their appreciation of the slideshow.

“YEAH!!!!! Happiness is posted once again! You two look so very happy it warms my heart,” one person commented.

A second person wrote, “Artem from day one has always been about Matteo and being the best dad ever. He is present and is teaching him good boundaries. I’m sad him and Nikki couldn’t work but if they can co parent peacefully then Matteo is going to grow up a very happy and secure boy.”

Prior to Artem’s recent Instagram post, he went on a brief hiatus after he was arrested on domestic violence charges in Napa Valley, California, on August 17. Police were sent to his and Nikki’s home after he called them during an altercation with his wife. The Dancing With the Stars alum was released later that day after posting $25,000 bail, and the Napa County District Attorney’s Office dropped the charges on September 24 following an investigation.

“I am incredibly relieved and grateful that the domestic violence charges against me have been dropped,” Artem told E! News in a statement on September 25. “This has been an extremely difficult time for me. I am thankful that the truth has prevailed.”

Although Artem was in the clear with the law, his marriage with Nikki, 41, was over after she filed for divorce on September 11. In the filing, she listed August 29 as the official date of separation.

The Russia native responded to Nikki’s filing by also filing for divorce on September 13. Despite their dissolution of marriage, Artem and Nikki focused on maintaining a healthy environment for Matteo.

“The parties are focused on coparenting and working together for the best interests of their son,” Artem’s attorney, Ilona Antonyan, told People on September 17.

That said, the former WWE star filed a restraining order against Artem on September 30, Life & Style later confirmed. In the sworn declaration, Nikki claimed that Artem “tackled me multiple times and pinned me to the ground while our child was present.”

Nikki was granted the restraining order days later, prompting Artem to fire back and file a restraining order against her.

Artem and Nikki finalized their divorce after a mediation session on November 20 after two years of marriage.

“Both parties decided to drop the domestic violence restraining orders against each other in an effort to move on with their lives and effectively co-parent their son,” Nikki’s rep told People at the time. “Nikki’s number one priority has always been her son and privacy on the matter. She is thankful for all of the love and support she has received during this difficult time.”