TW: This article contains discussions of alleged domestic violence in which a child was present.
The fallout from former Dancing with the Stars pro-Artem Chigvintsev continues. On August 29, 2024, Artem was arrested for corporal injury to a spouse. While the victim’s identity has not been revealed, Artem’s wife, Nikki Garcia, and their son, Matteo, were reportedly present at the time of the incident. Shortly afterward, Nikki filed for divorce. Now Artem’s friend and DWTS alum Maksim Chmerkovskiy is weighing in on the disturbing situation.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy texted Artem Chigvintsev after his arrest
In Artem’s response to Nikki’s divorce filing, he requested shared custody of 4-year-old Matteo and alimony. Meanwhile, Nikki asked for sole custody of their son and no spousal support for either party. This is going to be a nasty divorce.
Then DWTS pro-Gleb Savchenko spoke out about Artem, stating, “He’s just my brother, and I send him love and positivity.” Well, Maksim was a guest on The TMZ podcast and was asked if he had contacted Artem since his arrest. Maksim shared that he texted his friend.
“It was just, ‘Stay strong, and if this is something that you know is on you, then it is on you. You’re responsible for actions.’” But Maksim isn’t rushing to judgment yet. “The man that I know … you know, I know to be a very soft, kind, you know, beautiful person to know. Artem … everyone I know around him loves him the same way.”
Still, Maksim noted that he and his wife, Peta Murgatroyd, and his brother, Val Chmerkovskiy, and his wife, Jenna Johnson, are close to Artem and Nikki. The couples often spent time together. So, Maksim is also sending Nikki his best during this difficult time.
As for Artem ever returning to DWTS? If it is solely based on talent, Maksim could see Artem once again gracing the ballroom. But if the accusations are true, Maksim stated, “Nobody wants to be on a cast with an abuser, you know? So hopefully he’s not that and we keep it moving.”
Season 33 of Dancing with the Stars airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on ABC and Disney+.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or chat at thehotline.org.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MAKSIM’S COMMENTS ABOUT ARTEM? DO YOU THINK ARTEM HAS ANY CHANCE OF RETURNING TO DWTS?
