“Dancing With The Stars” Dancer Arrested In Domestic Violence Case

Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer known for his long-standing role on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), was arrested on Thursday in Napa County, California, for suspicion of felony domestic violence. Chigvintsev, a veteran of the show and a fan favorite, has been charged with violating California Penal Code 273.5(a), which pertains to the willful infliction of corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition on a current or former spouse, partner, or cohabiting family member.

The Arrest and Legal Charges

According to the Napa County Public Booking Report, the 42-year-old dancer was taken into custody around 10 a.m. on Thursday. The charges stem from allegations that Chigvintsev inflicted injury upon someone with whom he shares a domestic relationship. The specifics of the incident, including the identity of the victim and the events leading up to the arrest, have not been made public by law enforcement at this time.

Chigvintsev posted a $25,000 bail and was released from custody a few hours later, at approximately 2:18 p.m. on Thursday. The case will proceed through the legal system as investigators continue to gather evidence, though it remains unclear what penalties he may face if convicted of the felony charge. Under California law, a conviction for this type of domestic violence offense can result in significant jail time and fines, as well as potential long-term damage to one’s personal and professional life.

Personal and Professional Life in the Spotlight

Chigvintsev’s arrest comes at a time when he and his wife, Nikki Garcia—formerly known as WWE star Nikki Bella—had been publicly celebrating their second wedding anniversary. Just days before the arrest, both Chigvintsev and Garcia had posted on social media to mark the occasion, sharing fond memories and affectionate messages with their followers. The couple, who met while partnered together on Dancing With the Stars in 2019, married in 2022 and share a young son. They currently live in Yountville, a small city north of San Francisco.

Chigvintsev’s arrest has cast a shadow over their relationship, and while it has not been confirmed whether Garcia was involved in the incident, her representative issued a statement calling for privacy. “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time,” the representative said. The lack of detail surrounding the incident has left fans and followers speculating about the nature of the situation, adding pressure to the couple’s already public lives.

Impact on Chigvintsev’s Career

A seasoned professional dancer, Chigvintsev has been a part of Dancing With the Stars for 13 seasons, most recently competing in season 32, where he finished in fourth place alongside celebrity partner Charity Lawson. He is also known for winning the 29th season of DWTS with partner Kaitlyn Bristowe in 2020. His career began on the U.K. version of the show, Strictly Come Dancing, where he also gained widespread recognition.

While Chigvintsev has been a key figure in the DWTS franchise, reports indicate that he was not slated to appear in the upcoming 33rd season of the show, which is set to premiere in September 2024. It is unclear whether the decision to exclude him was made before or after his arrest. The allegations of domestic violence could have significant consequences for his future with the show and other professional opportunities, as public figures facing such charges often experience fallout within their industries.

Representatives for both Chigvintsev and the Napa County Sheriff’s Office have not responded to requests for comment, leaving questions about the dancer’s career and legal future unanswered for the time being.

Public Reactions and Domestic Violence Concerns

Domestic violence allegations, especially involving high-profile figures, tend to stir strong public reactions. Many fans of Chigvintsev and Dancing With the Stars expressed their shock and disappointment over the news. Meanwhile, others have called for patience and caution, awaiting more details about the incident before passing judgment.

Domestic violence is a serious issue, and California’s legal system has strict penalties for those convicted under Penal Code 273.5(a). If found guilty, Chigvintsev could face incarceration, fines, and other penalties, depending on the severity of the injuries and other factors surrounding the case.

As this story develops, both fans of DWTS and advocates for victims of domestic violence will be paying close attention to how the legal proceedings unfold and how the case impacts Chigvintsev’s personal and professional life.

Conclusion

While the full details of Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest remain unknown, the incident has sparked intense public interest due to his high-profile career and public relationship with Nikki Garcia. As the case progresses, it will likely draw further attention to issues of domestic violence, legal accountability, and the challenges faced by public figures when personal matters enter the spotlight.