Later in September, the former WWE star was granted a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband, according to TMZ. The order prohibits Artem from contacting or coming within 100 yards of her, Matteo or their home apart from court-ordered visitations or exchange of the child, the outlet reported.
“Although Nikki requested that the Napa District Attorney not file charges against Artem as she did not want him to go to jail,” a rep for Nikki told E! News at the time, “he must still be held accountable for his actions, and Nikki and her son must be protected. Nikki’s number one priority has always been the wellbeing of her son.”
However, in a response filing obtained by E! News, Artem disputed his ex’s version of the events that led to the protective order, arguing that she was the aggressor in the incident that led to his arrest.
After his charges were dropped, Artem told E! News his son’s well-being remains his top priority.
“My focus has always been and will always be, our son Matteo,” he said in a statement Sept. 25. “He is my world, and being his father is the greatest blessing in my life. All along, my main concern has been for him.”
He continued, “I am committed to continuing to provide him with the love, support, and care he needs as we move forward.”
