Details emerge from the arrest of Dancing With the Stars‘s professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev. Artem shares a son with former professional wrestler, Nikki Garcia, who he married in 2022.
Content Warning: DV
In case you missed it:
Artem was arrested on Aug. 29 in Yountville, Calif., for domestic violence after police received a 911 call before 10 a.m. according to Napa County Sheriff’s office. He was charged under California Penal Code 273.5(a), relating to injuring a spouse or cohabitant.”
Status update:
Here’s what we know about the DWTS alum so far …
42-year-old Artem was taken to the Napa County Department of Correction for DV and was “released on a bail of $25,000 after 2pm,” according to police.
Napa County’s Officer Wofford explained the situation to E! News. “When someone is charged with felony domestic violence, usually this means there is a visible injury or credible eye witness. Our deputies felt comfortable arresting him on felony domestic violence charges.”
Still no word on Artem’s DV victim’s identity:
1) It’s domestic violence. 2) Artem lives with Nikki. While it’s being widely assumed (with good reason) Artem’s wife is the victim, that information has yet to be confirmed.
With that said, “some details of the case are not being shared,” as per Officer Wofford, “Due to laws protecting the privacy of victims of domestic violence.” Therefore, “police are not releasing the name, gender and age of the victim, and are not disclosing the person’s relationship to Chigvintsev.”
Additionally, Wofford told NBC News that authorities are not revealing the location of the alleged incident due to privacy requested by victim. “Some victims may not feel comfortable sharing all details at time the suspect is arrested. 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.”
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
