Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer known for his appearances on Dancing with the Stars, was arrested on August 29, 2024, in California on suspicion of domestic violence. The 42-year-old dancer, who has partnered with celebrities like Patti LaBelle and Kaitlyn Bristowe during his 12 seasons on the show, was taken into custody after a 911 call reported the incident just before 10 a.m.
According to Napa County jail records, Chigvintsev was booked under California Penal Code 273.5(a), which pertains to the willful infliction of injury that results in trauma to a spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent.
Officer Henry Wofford of Napa County confirmed to NBC News that Chigvintsev was released later that afternoon on a $25,000 bond. However, further details about the incident, including the identity of the victim and the exact location of the arrest, have not been disclosed.
Chigvintsev has not publicly addressed the arrest. Recently, he celebrated his two-year wedding anniversary with his wife, former WWE wrestler Nikki Garcia. The couple, who met during Season 25 of Dancing with the Stars in 2017, share a four-year-old son. They both posted heartfelt messages online marking their anniversary, but it is unclear whether Garcia was involved in the domestic violence case.
Garcia, known in the WWE as Nikki Bella, was part of the popular tag team “The Bella Twins” with her twin sister, Brie.
Before his tenure on Dancing with the Stars, Chigvintsev was a competitor on the U.K. version of the show, Strictly Come Dancing.
Additionally, sources from Variety have reported that Chigvintsev will not be participating in the upcoming season of Dancing with the Stars, which is set to premiere on September 17.
