- Artem Chigvintsev, ex-Strictly dancer, held for domestic violence
- Arrested under California law for injuring spouse/cohabitant
- Posts $25,000 bail, wife Nikki Garcia's role unclear
Artem Chigvintsev, a former star of “Strictly Come Dancing,” has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence, according to jail records. The 42-year-old Russian professional dancer was booked into Napa County jail in California on Thursday morning.
Chigvintsev, who gained fame after joining the eighth series of “Strictly Come Dancing” in 2010 and winning with celebrity partner Kara Tointon, has been a familiar face on “Dancing With The Stars,” the US version of the show, since 2014.
Jail records indicate that Chigvintsev was arrested under section 273.5(a) of the California Penal Code, which pertains to corporal injury to a spouse. This section covers traumatic injury inflicted upon a current or former spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent, and the offence can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. A felony charge could result in a maximum sentence of up to four years in prison.
Chigvintsev posted a $25,000 (£19,000) bond and was reportedly released later on Thursday afternoon. The circumstances surrounding his arrest, including whether his current wife is involved, remain unclear.
In 2022, Chigvintsev married WWE star Nikki Bella, whom he met on “Dancing With The Stars” in 2017. Bella, who has since left wrestling and changed her name to Nikki Garcia, and Chigvintsev celebrated their second wedding anniversary earlier this year and share a son together.
