Former Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev is getting criticized for the unsavory comment he made about the current troupe dancers.
Artem took to the Ramble app, where he shared his thoughts about the show’s troupe performances. “I need some masculine energy in the troupe dances,” Artem wrote.
The remark quickly raised eyebrows, with the wording prompting criticism from those who questioned what he meant by wanting more “masculine energy” in the troupe. The Season 35 troupe includes two male dancers, Jaxon Willard and Carter Williams.
Despite Artem’s comment, the DWTS Season 35 keeps winning. After a sensational season, they will be joining the Pros and Stars on tour in early 2027.
Artem’s past is checkered. He was arrested for domestic violence in August 2024 involving his now-ex-wife, Nikki Garcia [Bella], whom he met during his time on DWTS. The arrest followed a 911 call from the couple’s home reporting a domestic dispute.
Court documents later revealed that Nikki accused Artem of attacking her during an argument over breakfast. That prompted her to throw shoes at him in what she described as a “momentary lapse in judgment.”
Less than a month later, the Napa County District Attorney’s Office declined to file criminal charges. Prosecutors stated they had an ethical obligation only to file charges that could be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. However, the lack of sufficient evidence kept the case from moving forward.
Artem had been a pro on the show for nine seasons and won Season 29 with Bachelor Nation’s Kaitlyn Bristowe.
