Dancing With the Stars professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev was arrested Thursday morning, facing allegations of domestic violence. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans and colleagues in disbelief.
According to online records from Napa County jail, Chigvintsev was booked at 10:40 a.m. PT. The arrest was made under California penal code 273.5(a), a felony charge that applies to individuals who “willfully inflict corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition” upon a spouse, cohabitant, fiancé(e), or co-parent.
Chigvintsev was released from custody on Thursday afternoon after posting bail set at $25,000. As of now, law enforcement officials have not released details regarding the circumstances leading to his arrest or information about the alleged victim involved in the incident. The identity of the individual and the specifics of the allegations remain undisclosed, adding to the veil of mystery surrounding the situation.
Chigvintsev’s personal life has been closely followed by the public, particularly his relationship with WWE personality Nikki Garcia. The couple, who married in 2022 and share a son, began their romantic journey after being partnered on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars in 2019. Intriguingly, just three days prior to his arrest, both Chigvintsev and Garcia shared celebratory posts on their respective social media accounts, commemorating their anniversary.
It remains unclear whether Nikki Garcia is connected to the domestic violence allegations. In response to inquiries from The Hollywood Reporter, Garcia’s representative issued a statement emphasizing the private nature of the matter. “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time,” the statement conveyed, requesting space and respect for their family during this challenging period.
Artem Chigvintsev has been a prominent figure on Dancing With the Stars, participating in 12 seasons. Most recently, he reached fourth place in the last season with celebrity partner Charity Lawson. Notably, he secured a Mirrorball trophy in season 29, partnering with Kaitlyn Bristowe in 2020. Prior to his Dancing With the Stars fame, Chigvintsev gained recognition on Strictly Come Dancing, the British counterpart to the popular dance competition series.
Adding another layer to the unfolding situation, THR has learned that Artem Chigvintsev was not slated to be part of the upcoming season 33 of Dancing With the Stars, which is set to premiere on September 17. This revelation raises questions about the timing and potential implications of his arrest on his career with the show.
Representatives for Chigvintsev and the Napa County Sheriff’s Office have yet to respond to The Hollywood Reporter’s requests for comments, leaving many questions unanswered and further details pending.
Updated Aug. 30, 9:41 a.m.: The article was updated to include the statement from Nikki Garcia’s representative, reflecting the latest developments in this ongoing story.
