'DWTS' Star Arrested on Domestic Violence Suspicion
Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer known for his appearances on the popular reality dance competition "Strictly Come Dancing" (formerly "Dancing with the Stars"), has been arrested in Napa County, California on suspicion of domestic violence.
The arrest occurred on Thursday morning in the town of Yountville, according to Henry Wofford, public information officer for the Napa County Sheriff's Department. Chigvintsev was taken into custody at approximately 10:00 a.m. PDT.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no further details have been released about the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault or the identity of the alleged victim(s). The Napa County District Attorney's office confirmed that charges have not yet been filed against Chigvintsev as the case is still under review.
Chigvintsev was booked into the Napa County jail and his bail was set at £20,000.
The dancer has been a familiar face on the "Strictly Come Dancing" dancefloor for over a decade, participating in at least ten series. He was not due to appear in the upcoming 33rd season of the show.
Representatives for "Strictly Come Dancing", Chigvintsev, and his wife, former professional wrestler and reality television personality Nikki Bella, have been contacted for comment.
Chigvintsev and Bella, who met during their partnership on "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2017, married in 2022 and celebrated their second wedding anniversary earlier this week. The couple share a young child together.
The arrest of a prominent figure like Chigvintsev on such serious charges has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. The ongoing investigation will likely determine the course of legal proceedings against the dancer, and it remains to be seen how this incident will affect his career.
