Brie Garcia Has Felt 'Sadness' That 'Could Compare' to 'Death' amid Sister Nikki's Split from Artem Chigvintsev

Mar. 15, 2025

Brie Bella (left); Nikki Bella; Artem Chigvintsev.Photo:Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; Michael Bezjian/Getty; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty; Michael Bezjian/Getty; Rodin Eckenroth/Getty

AsNikki Garcianavigates adivorce from Artem Chigvintsevafter his arrest on suspicion of domestic violence, her sisterBrie Garciais opening up about the emotional past few weeks in their family.

On the Oct. 4 episode of the sisters' joint podcastThe Nikki & Brie Show, Brie, 40, said she’s “looked at trauma in the face” as she admitted, “The last week has been so hard.”

“All you wanna do is help. You want it to stop, but you realize it’s not your trauma, especially if you’re not the one dealing with it and you’re seeing someone else [deal with it]. It’s not for you to fix,” Brie said, seemingly referring to her sister’s ongoing legal battle with Chigvintsev, 42, who was arrested following an incident in their home on Aug. 29. Chigvintsev was arrested on charges of corporal injury to a spouse, though the Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced on Sept. 24 that her office haddeclined to file criminal chargesagainst the formerDancing with the Starspro dancer.

Nikki, 40, then filed for divorce on Sept. 11 andlisted the couple’s date of separation as the day of the arrest, Aug. 29. She is also seekinglegal and physical custody of their 4-year-old son Matteo.

On her podcast, Brie said, “I have felt sadness in ways that maybe death could compare. I literally have lost sleep. I lay in my bed with my eyes open, and I think and I just think and think, and I think of so many different things….. But the major thing I think of is: How can I fix [things] and how can I help?”

rtem Chigvintsev (L) and Nikki Bella attend FOX’s Teen Choice Awards 2019.Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic

Brie also reflected on the importance of “taking accountability” after making a mistake, as she said, “If you do not take accountability of your mistakes, you will be exposed. I will let you know that. I know it.”

“And I will say, lies will eat you up,” she continued. “You’re always gonna get caught. No one ever runs away free without getting caught. Right? Lies will not only personally eat you up, but in the end, they’ll always expose you. And you have to remember that.”

“I want you to know that Nikki, myself, and a whole army of women are here to support and help you, give you strength, give you confidence. Don’t take the s— anymore,” she said.

Brie Bella and Nikki Bella pose for a photo at SiriusXM at Super Bowl LVIII on February 09, 2024.Cindy Ord/Getty

Cindy Ord/Getty

Brie also spoke about when fans can expect Nikki to return to the podcast, as she teased, “Nikki will be returning soon.”

“Not gonna give the exact date because just like life, we never know what’s around the corner. Right? But, she will be back soon.”

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PEOPLE confirmed that Garcia wasgranted a protective orderagainst her estranged spouse on Sept. 29, and Chigvintsev has also requested his own protective order against the former WWE personality.

The former couple has each claimed that the other was the aggressor in the incident that led to Chigvintsev’s Aug. 29 arrest. They are both due in court for a full hearing on Oct. 21.

source: people.com