Former “Strictly Come Dancing” star Artem Chigvintsev has been arrested on suspicion of domestic violence in California, as confirmed by local jail records. Chigvintsev, 42, was booked into Napa County jail on Thursday morning.
The accomplished Russian dancer gained fame by winning series eight of “Strictly” in 2010 with celebrity partner Kara Tointon. He has since become a familiar face on “Dancing With The Stars,” the American rendition of the popular dance competition, where he has been a regular participant since 2014.
According to online jail records, Chigvintsev’s arrest falls under section 273.5(a) of the California penal code, which addresses corporal injury to a spouse. This law pertains to instances of domestic violence resulting in traumatic injury to a current or former partner. Charges can be classified as either misdemeanours or felonies, with the latter carrying potential penalties of up to four years in prison.
Details surrounding the involvement of Chigvintsev’s current wife remain unclear. He married WWE star Nikki Bella in 2022 after meeting her on “Dancing With The Stars” in 2017. Bella, who has transitioned away from wrestling and changed her name to Nikki Garcia, shares a son with Chigvintsev. The couple had recently celebrated their second wedding anniversary.
