TW: This article contains discussions of alleged domestic violence in which a child was present.
Dancing with the Stars fans were stunned when they learned that Artem Chigvintsev had been arrested on August 29, 2024. He was arrested for corporal injury to a spouse. While the identity of the victim hasn’t been revealed, Artem’s wife, Nikki Garcia, requested privacy during this difficult time.
The couple, who met as partners in the DWTS ballroom, didn’t become romantically involved until Nikki and John Cena split up. Finally, Artem popped the question in 2020, and the couple tied the knot in Paris in 2022. They share a 4-year-old son, Matteo.
Artem’s case was being reviewed by the District Attorney. The D.A. determined Artem will not face criminal charges. His arraignment is scheduled for November 4, 2024. So, it’s not a surprise that Nikki filed for divorce.
Now that some time has passed, people are weighing in on the disturbing incident. Let’s look at the DWTS cast members’ reactions to Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest.
DWTS alum Cheryl Burke
Cheryl Burke has been a dance pro on DWTS since its second season. She retired from the show after Season 31. Next, Cheryl launched a podcast, Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans, which delves into all the DWTS drama. Unfortunately for Cheryl, she had to discuss the news about Artem’s arrest on her podcast.
“I hesitate to smile right now because of the current news … which I am in complete shock about,” she stated. Cheryl added that she had “grown up” with Artem. “We used to live together in my family’s home in the Bay Area. It’s so shocking. I get kind of emotional,” Cheryl explained. “My heart goes out to everyone involved.”
The dancer continued, “It’s just really hard for me because he was – he’s my family. I don’t know what to say here other than I hope everybody’s okay,” Cheryl added.
DWTS pro Gleb Savchenko
Pro Gleb Savchenko is a current DWTS cast member. For Season 33, he is paired with model Brooks Nader. So far, Gleb is the only current cast member to speak out about Artem. And he misses his friend in the ballroom. Reportedly, Artem wasn’t asked back for Season 33. And this was before his arrest for domestic violence.
“He’s part of the family. He’s such a great dancer that people don’t realize,” Gleb explained. He continued, “He’s the quality. It’s not about quantity, it’s about the quality.” The DWTS pro also gave Artem props for realizing “how to create a beautiful routine.”
It seems like Gleb and Artem are good friends. “He’s just my brother and I send him love and positivity,” Gleb stated. “I talk to him all the time.” Meanwhile, it doesn’t seem like Gleb is concerned about how his comments might affect his scoring with Brooks. And by the way, this couple is smoking hot!
DWTS contestant Lea Thomson
During Season 19 of DWTS, actress Lea Thomson was partnered with Artem. And it doesn’t sound like Lea had the best experience on the show. “It was hard working with him because it was his first year and it was a big deal to him,” Lea said. “He was so intense. It was so much more important to him than to me, honestly.”
However, Lea had experience with modern dance and ballet. What should have been a big plus was turned into a negative. “First day, he was like, ‘I’ve never taken any of that stuff, I’ve only taken ballroom.’ I was never allowed to say, ‘Can I try this?’” Lea stated. “He would get so mad at me.” Yikes!
And one of Artem’s remarks upset and confused Lea. “I remember him telling me that men are much better than women,” the actress said. “And I said, ‘Why?’ And he said, ‘Because they’re stronger.’ And I was like, ‘But they don’t have babies. I’ve had a baby,’” she added. I’m guessing that Artem wasn’t impressed.
DWTS contestant Kaitlyn Bristowe
During Season 29 of DWTS, Bachelorette star Kaitlyn Bristowe and Artem foxtrotted their way to the Mirrorball Trophy. This was Artem’s first and only taste of victory on the show. They may have been a great duo in the ballroom, but Kaitlyn and Artem didn’t stay in contact.
Before another Bachelorette, Charity Lawson hit the ballroom for Season 32, Kaitlyn shared her perspective. “Well, they’re all d*cks. They’re all d*cks, I’m telling you,” she told Charity of some of the male pros.
Given Artem’s recent arrest, Kaitlyn spoke out about her former partner. “My thought on this is that I am not going to say anything until they are ready to say something,” Kaitlyn stated. “They have asked for privacy and when people ask for privacy, I find media outlets and everybody has an opinion.”
She continued, “My only thought is that domestic violence is so unacceptable and so scary and so sad.” She added, “And I hope everybody’s okay. My heart goes out to little Matteo.” I think that everyone is concerned about Matteo and Nikki. “I’m just praying for all of them to either get better or to find peace and space and help,” Kaitlyn said.
DWTS contestant Charity Lawson
Charity, who came in fourth with Artem on Season 32 of DWTS, addressed the sensitive topic on Page Six’s Reali-Tea podcast. “[I was] blindsided a little bit,” Charity said. “I wasn’t expecting it at all.”
Of course, Charity “obviously [doesn’t] know any details” about what happened the day of Artem’s arrest. She added, “[I’m] giving them the space and … all the love and healing.” While Charity may have done the Rumba with Artem, she was a huge fan of his wife.
Then Charity shared that she hasn’t been in contact with Artem since Season 32 ended. But when Charity was the target for hateful, and racially inappropriate social media comments, Artem supported her.
“I think he was more shocked than anything because he was like, ‘This is going on? This is what’s being said?’” she explained. “He’s like, ‘I don’t understand.’” That is exactly how I feel about Artem’s alleged actions. No excuse is acceptable. Period. Dot.
DWTS pro Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Recently, former DWTS legend Maksim Chmerkovskiy shared his thoughts about Artem’s arrest during The TMZ Podcast. He admitted that he had texted Artem. “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,’” Maksim said of his text.
However, Maksim was reluctant to believe that Artem acted violently. “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,” he explained.
And Maksim and Artem are tight. Maksim, his wife Peta Murgatroyd, Maksim’s brother Val Chmerkovskiy, and Jenna Johnson, his wife, all spent time hanging out with Artem and Nikki. And of course, Maksim sent his best wishes to Artem’s estranged wife.
Now that Artem has been arrested, has he seen the last of the DWTS ballroom? If talent is the criterion, then Maksim believes that Artem could once again waltz in the ballroom. But if the allegations against him turn out to be true? “Nobody wants to be on a cast with an abuser, you know?” Maksim stated. “So hopefully he’s not that and we keep it moving.”
It is interesting to see how the different members of the DWTS cast are reacting to Artem’s arrest. I wish only the best for Nikki and Matteo moving forward. And fingers crossed that Nikki and Artem’s divorce can change course and be amicable.
Dancing with the Stars airs 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 THE DWTS CAST MEMBERS’ REACTIONS TO ARTEM CHIGVINTSEV’S ARREST?
