Dancing With The Stars’ Pro Artem Chigvintsev Arrested On Domestic Violence Charge

Dance pro Artem Chigvintsev, known for his appearances on Dancing With The Stars, was taken into custody Thursday morning in Napa County, California, on suspicion of domestic violence.

The 42-year-old was booked into Napa County Jail around 10 a.m. local time in Yountville, a town in the heart of wine country. He faces a felony charge under California Penal Code 273.5(a), which prohibits inflicting injury on a spouse, cohabitant or co-parent in a domestic violence incident. This charge requires visible evidence of injury.

Authorities set Chigvintsev’s bail at $25,000. As of Thursday afternoon, jail records indicated he remained in custody.

Henry Wofford, spokesperson for the Napa County Sheriff’s Office, reiterated his commitment to victim protection. “We’re treating this like any other domestic violence case,” Wofford stated, explaining why the alleged victim’s identity was not disclosed.

Chigvintsev is married to Nikki Garcia, formerly known as Nikki Bella, a retired professional wrestler. Garcia had shared on social media that she was in Napa the day before the incident. She is scheduled to co-host a live competitive eating event on Netflix next week.

Garcia’s rep released the following statement: “This is a private matter, and Nikki requests privacy for herself and her family at this time.”

Chigvintsev has been a regular fixture on Dancing With The Stars for 12 seasons, including the most recent four. His career highlights include winning Season 29 with partner Kaitlyn Bristowe. He and former Bachelorette Charity Lawson finished fourth in the latest season. Variety confirmed he was not slated to participate in the upcoming 33rd season of the show.

The couple’s relationship began when they were paired together on Dancing With The Stars in 2017. They welcomed their son, Matteo, in 2020 and married in 2022. Chigvintsev and Garcia shared anniversary posts on social media just days before the arrest.

In 2017, Chigvintsev split from girlfriend Torrey DeVitto, an actress on Chicago Med.