Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer known from “Dancing With the Stars,” was arrested on August 29 on a felony domestic violence charge in Napa County, California. He was booked at the Napa County Department of Corrections and released the next day on a $25,000 bond.
The incident has drawn public attention, especially due to Chigvintsev’s public persona and his marriage to former WWE star Nikki Garcia, with whom he shares a 4-year-old son, Matteo.
Following the arrest, Nikki Garcia’s representative issued a brief statement requesting privacy for her and her family during this time. The situation has prompted various reactions, including that of former “Dancing With the Stars” pro Cheryl Burke, who expressed her shock on her podcast. Burke noted her close connection to Chigvintsev, referring to him as family, and conveyed her hope that everyone involved is okay.
Napa County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer, Henry Wofford, provided some details about the arrest, mentioning that felony domestic violence charges typically involve visible injuries or credible eyewitness testimony. Wofford emphasized that the deputies believed the situation warranted a felony charge at the time, though he acknowledged that this could change if new evidence emerged.
Audio obtained by TMZ revealed that Chigvintsev himself called 911 following an argument during which shoes were allegedly thrown at him. However, he later informed the dispatcher that medical assistance was no longer needed. Chigvintsev has not made any public statements regarding the arrest or the 911 call, and attempts by E! News to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful.
The timing of the arrest is notable, as it occurred less than three weeks before the premiere of season 33 of “Dancing With the Stars.” Despite this, reports indicate that Chigvintsev was not scheduled to appear on the show this season. The incident has left fans and colleagues in shock as they await further developments.
