The world of celebrity dance and reality TV has been rocked by a shocking turn of events: Dancing With the Stars pro Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest on domestic violence charges and the subsequent filing for divorce by his wife, Nikki Garcia. What was once a picture-perfect couple, celebrating their second anniversary just days before the arrest, is now navigating a painful and public split. Let’s break down the timeline of events and explore the details surrounding this unfortunate situation.
The Arrest and its Aftermath
Artem was arrested in Napa County, California on August 29th, following a 911 call made initially for medical attention after an argument. While details regarding the nature of the argument are scarce, the Sheriff’s office confirmed that Artem was booked on a felony domestic violence charge. Thankfully, he was released on a $25,000 bond later that day. Even though Artem has maintained a relatively low profile, he updated his Instagram bio shortly after the incident, including Nikki’s name, a bride emoji, and a red heart—a curious addition just after such a serious event.
Nikki Garcia Files for Divorce
Two weeks after Artem’s arrest, Nikki filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” in court documents. The dissolution papers, obtained by TMZ, revealed that Nikki’s actual separation date was the same day as Artem’s arrest. Nikki is seeking legal and physical custody of their four-year-old son, Matteo, but is open to giving Artem visitation rights.
Reactions and Privacy Requests
Nikki’s rep has requested privacy for her and her family during this difficult time. While Artem has not made a public statement, other Dancing With the Stars professionals have weighed in. Cheryl Burke, who’s known Artem for a long time, expressed her shock and sadness on her podcast, emphasizing the importance of seeking help for those struggling with domestic violence.
FAQ
- When was Artem arrested? Artem was arrested on August 29th, 2024.
- What was he arrested for? He was arrested on a felony charge of domestic violence.
- Is he still in custody? No, he was released on bail.
- What’s the status of the divorce proceedings? Nikki filed for divorce on September 11th, 2024.
- Has Artem spoken out about the arrest? No, Artem hasn’t made any official statements regarding the arrest or divorce.
- Will Artem be on this season of Dancing with the Stars? No, Artem wasn’t confirmed to be a part of the cast for this season.
While nobody expected this turn of events, everyone can agree that a domestic violence incident is never okay. We hope justice prevails, that both parties will show restraint in public, and that Matteo will be cared for in the healthiest possible way. It’s important to remember that domestic violence can occur across all walks of life. We hope this situation encourages those who may be experiencing violence or know someone who is, to reach out for help. If you or someone you know needs help, resources are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or at their website: www.thehotline.org.
More details have surfaced surrounding Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev‘s split.
The WWE alum filed for divorce from Artem following two years of marriage on Sept. 11, two weeks after he was arrested on a domestic violence charge, according to dissolution documents obtained by TMZ.
However, Nikki revealed in her filing that the couple’s actual separation date was Aug. 29, the same day Artem was taken into custody and charged with California penal code section 273.5 (a)PC, which relates to acts of violence against a spouse or other cohabitant.
And those aren’t the only details that have emerged about the breakup. According to TMZ, Nikki cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their split in the docs. Plus, she requested legal and physical custody of her and Artem’s 4-year-old son, Matteo, though she noted that she would consider giving the Dancing With the Stars pro visitation rights.
And while the couple have yet to address their legal battle publicly, Nikki’s rep told E! News in a statement that the 40-year-old has asked for “privacy for her and her family at this time.”
As for Artem, the 42-year-old may be remaining quiet about his arrest and their divorce proceedings, but he did add a subtle nod to Nikki on his social media.
Shortly after being taken into custody and released on a $25,000 bond, Artem updated his Instagram bio to read, “Father to Matteo, DWTS Pro Dancer, Emmy Nominated Choreographer, DWTS Mirror Ball Winner, SCD Mirror Ball Winner @nikkigarcia.”
Nikki and Artem’s official separation date occurred three days after the couple celebrated their second wedding anniversary, which they paid tribute to on social media.
“Happy anniversary my love,” Artem wrote on Instagram Aug. 26. “can’t see my life with out you. You are my everything.”
And Nikki shared her own moving message for the reality TV star alongside lyrics to Elvis Presley‘s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
“This song is our love story,” she wrote on Instagram at the time. “I’ll never forget where I was when I asked Jesus about Artem. Having a conversation with He & God. How my feelings felt too soon. It all felt too fast. And then this song came on. And that’s when I knew that I was falling in love with him and that it was all meant to be. Happy Anniversary @theartemc I love you!”
For more details on Artem’s legal case, keep reading.
When Was Artem Chigvintsev Arrested?
Artem Chigvintsev was arrested shortly before 10 a.m. on Aug. 29, Napa County Sheriff’s Office’s Public Information Officer Henry Wofford confirmed to E! News.
Wofford noted the Dancing With the Stars pro did not was resist and was taken to the Napa County Department of Corrections. Chigvintsev was booked on a charge of felony domestic violence with a bail set at $25,000, per online records.
When Was Artem Chigvintsev Released From Custody?
The professional dancer posted bail and was released from custody at 2:18 p.m. on Aug.29, Wofford confirmed to E! News. A court date has yet to be announced.
What Else Have Authorities Said About Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest?
While Wofford told NBC News Chigvintsev was arrested in Yountville, Calif, he did not reveal the exact location due to a request for privacy from the alleged victim.
As a result of this request, he added, the Sheriff is also not releasing the name, gender or age of the alleged victim or the individual’s relationship to Chigvintsev. However, Wofford did have this to say about the arrest.
“When someone is charged with felony domestic violence usually this means there is a visible injury or credible eyewitness,” he told E! News, “our deputies felt comfortable arresting him on felony domestic violence charges.”
“Of course this could change with more evidence that might come through,” Wofford continued, “but at the time of the arrest the deputies felt it was a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor.”
He also shared why victims may choose to keep personal information private in these cases.
“Some victims may not feel comfortable sharing all details at time the suspect is arrested,” Wofford noted. “Some victims feel embarrassed, threatened, or fear the incident may impact their family. We have to give victims adequate time and support, which help them realize we are here to help.”
In an audio recording shared by TMZ Aug. 30, a dispatcher can be heard saying Chigvintsev had initially called 911 to request medical attention after an argument in which shoes were allegedly thrown at him. However, the dispatcher said the 42-year-old later stated that medical help was no longer needed.
“For domestic violence, if someone picks up the phone and says, ‘You don’t have to come after all,’ we’re still going to go for a welfare check,” he told Page Six. “We’re not just going to stop what we’re doing.”
Has Artem Chigvintsev’s Wife Nikki Garcia Said Anything About His Arrest?
A rep for Nikki Garcia—who met Chigvintsev when they were paired together on season 25 of Dancing With the Stars in 2017—spoke out about his arrest the day after his booking and release.
“This is a private matter,” the rep told Aug. 30, “and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
Chigvintsev’s arrest came three days after he and Garcia—who share 4-year-old son Matteo—celebrated their second wedding anniversary.
“Happy anniversary my love,” the ballroom dancer wrote on Instagram Aug. 26. “can’t see my life with out you. You are my everything.”
In her own post, the former WWE star quoted the lyrics from Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and posted throwback footage of the couple in Paris, where they got married in 2022.
“This song is our love story,” she wrote in the caption. “I’ll never forget where I was when I asked Jesus about Artem. Having a conversation with He & God. How my feelings felt too soon. It all felt too fast. And then this song came on. And that’s when I knew that I was falling in love with him and that it was all meant to be. Happy Anniversary @theartemc I love you!”
Have Any Dancing With the Stars Pros Spoken Out About Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest?
Shortly after Chigvintsev’s arrest, Cheryl Burke—who retired as a Dancing With the Stars pro in 2022 after 26 seasons on the show—shared her reaction to the news.
Noting Chigvintsev is someone she grew up with and lived with at one time, Burke said on her podcast Sex, Lies and Spray Tans that she was in “complete shock” over his arrest.
“My heart goes out to everyone involved,” she shared on the Aug. 30 episode, noting it was recorded the day before. “It’s just really hard for me because he was my family. I don’t know what to say here other than I hope everybody’s OK.”
In a clip of her podcast posted to TikTok, Burke also shared resources.
“If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available,” she wrote in the caption. “Consider calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233, or text START to 88788, or go to…https://www.thehotline.org/.”
