Nikki Bella was spotted on Saturday for the first time since the arrest of her husband on suspicion of domestic violence — and notably, she appeared to have ditched her wedding ring.
The former WWE star was photographed boarding a private jet in Oakland, Calif., according to images published by TMZ. She was seen smiling with a baseball cap pulled over her eyes, and her ring-free left hand grabbing onto her bag.
She was joined by a female friend, according to the outlet, and was likely heading to Las Vegas, where on Monday she’ll co-host the Netflix hot dog-eating competition, “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef.”
Saturday’s sighting comes two days after Bella’s husband, “Dancing with the Stars” pro Artem Chigvintsev, was booked at Napa County Jail on charges of felony corporal injury of a spouse. He was released later that afternoon on $25,000 bail.
It’s unclear exactly what led up to his arrest at their home in Yountville, Calif., though authorities said they observed injuries consistent with assault on an unidentified victim.
Though Bella, whose legal name is Nikki Garcia, is presumed to have been involved in whatever altercation proceeded the arrest, that has not been confirmed by local law enforcement.
Bella has not publicly commented on the incident, other than asking for privacy in a statement through her rep.
On Friday, sources close to the couple told TMZ they weren’t entirely shocked by the news of Chigvintsev’s arrest, as the reality stars’ relationship has always been “volatile” and plagued by arguments for years.
Bella and Chigvintsev met when they were partnered up on season 25 of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2017. The couple announced their engagement in January 2020 and tied the knot in August 2022.
Together they share 4-year-old son Matteo.