Is ‘DWTS’ Pro Artem Chigvintsev Married?

Dancing with the Stars is just weeks away from the premiere of season 33, and fans are eagerly anticipating which professional dancers will return and which celebrities will vie for the coveted Mirrorball Trophy. However, not all news surrounding the series is bright. Professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev, known for his participation in 12 seasons, has been arrested on suspicions of domestic violence. While details of Chigvintsev’s personal life are sparse, it is known that he is married.

Chigvintsev was arrested on August 29 by police in Yountville, California. According to Variety, the 42-year-old ballroom dancer was taken to Napa County Jail around 10 a.m. Pacific time, charged with felony domestic violence.

At the time of reporting, Chigvintsev was awaiting the posting of a $25,000 bail before being released. The police have declined to name Chigvintsev’s alleged victim and requested their anonymity. This marks Chigvintsev’s first arrest for domestic violence, and it remains unclear when he is expected to return to court.

Chigvintsev is married to Nikki Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella. The Dancing with the Stars pro met her on the set of the competition show, where they were partnered for season 25 and finished in 7th place.

Despite placing lower than expected in the competition, Chigvintsev and Nikki Bella’s relationship blossomed on the dance floor. They began dating while partnered and announced their engagement in 2019. The couple shares a child, Matteo Chigvintsev, who was born in 2020. They tied the knot in Paris in 2022 and recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary. It is not known if Garcia is the alleged victim in this recent incident.

Before her relationship with Chigvintsev, Garcia was engaged to John Cena for six years. The couple called off their engagement in 2018, but the reasons behind the split remain unknown.

The arrest of Chigvintsev has raised questions about the upcoming Dancing with the Stars season. Although ABC has not yet revealed the full list of professional dancers and celebrities competing this year, it was rumored that Chigvintsev would be part of the lineup. However, this rumor has been dispelled.

Chigvintsev last appeared in season 32 of Dancing with the Stars, where he was paired with Charity Lawson. The duo finished in fourth place. Chigvintsev has claimed the Mirrorball Trophy only once in his 12-season tenure. TVLine contacted the production team for comment, and a representative confirmed that Chigvintsev was not planned to appear in season 33, even before his arrest. Therefore, the season premiere set for September 17 remains unaffected by these recent events.

ABC has yet to officially disclose all the professionals and celebrities who will be part of the upcoming season. As of now, Olympic pommel horse specialist Stephen Nedoroscik is the only confirmed participant.

Source: Variety, TVLine