Artem Chigvintsev, a professional dancer known for his appearances on “Dancing With the Stars,” spoke publicly for the first time about the domestic violence charges that were recently dropped against him. In a statement provided to E! News, the 42-year-old expressed his immense relief and gratitude that these serious allegations were cleared.
“It has been an incredibly challenging time for me, but I am thankful that the truth has come to light,” he shared. Chigvintsev emphasized that his primary focus has always been on his 4-year-old son, Matteo, whom he shares with his estranged spouse, Nikki Garcia, better known as Nikki Bella.
“He is everything to me, and being his father is the biggest blessing I could ask for,” he continued. “My main concern throughout this ordeal has been for him. I am committed to ensuring he receives all the love, support, and care he needs as we move forward. I am hopeful that we can establish a fair custody arrangement that allows us both to move on.”
Chigvintsev took a moment to express his gratitude to those who stood by him. “I want to extend my deepest thanks to my family, friends, and legal team for their unwavering support during this difficult period. Their belief in my innocence meant the world to me.”
He also noted his eagerness to close this chapter of his life and concentrate on what truly matters: being the best father to Matteo that he can be.
On August 29, it was reported by Page Six that Chigvintsev was arrested at his Napa, California home after authorities responded to a domestic violence call. An earlier emergency call around 8:30 a.m. had been canceled, yet police proceeded for a wellness check, where they found a victim with visible injuries who requested full confidentiality.
The dancer was taken into custody and charged with corporal injury to a cohabitant or spouse, with bail set at $25,000; he was released later that day. Although it has not been confirmed that Garcia was the victim, details from a 911 call highlighted a violent dispute just moments before police arrived, which reportedly occurred in the presence of their young son.
Days later, on September 11, Garcia filed for divorce, citing the date of separation as the day of the incident and requesting full custody of Matteo.
On September 24, after a thorough evaluation of the evidence presented, the Napa County District Attorney’s Office announced that Chigvintsev would not face charges. DA Allison Haley stated, “We have an ethical obligation to only file charges when the evidence supports it. If the evidence does not meet the standard necessary, we cannot file charges.”
Chigvintsev, whose marriage to Garcia took place in August 2022 after the couple met during Season 25 of “DWTS” in 2019, did not participate in the show’s latest season. Notably, he has faced previous accusations of misconduct involving a dance partner, which he has since denied.
Those affected by domestic violence issues are encouraged to reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 for support.
