Cheryl Burke, who has danced alongside Artem Chigvintsev on “Dancing With The Stars,” has opened up about his recent arrest. Artem, 42, who is married to Nikki Garcia (formerly known as WWE star Nikki Bella), was arrested on felony domestic violence charges.
Artem Chigvintsev’s Arrest
Authorities responded to a domestic violence call around 10 a.m. on Thursday. They found evidence of injuries at the scene, but the victim has asked for full confidentiality, so no specific details have been shared.
Artem was arrested and held on a $25,000 bail but was released within a few hours, suggesting he posted bail.
The identity of the victim has not been revealed, but there is speculation that it could be his wife, Nikki Garcia. The couple recently celebrated their wedding anniversary.
Cheryl Burke’s Reaction
Cheryl Burke, who is a close friend of Artem, spoke about the arrest on her podcast. She described Artem as someone she has grown up with, mentioning that they even lived together in her family’s home in the Bay Area.
Cheryl expressed her shock, saying, “Domestic violence and Artem don’t really go together… that’s why it’s so shocking.”
Danielle Fishel’s Husband Praises Her Strength After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: ‘So Proud
Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia’s Relationship
Artem and Nikki first met on “Dancing With The Stars” in 2017 and got married in 2022. They have a 4-year-old son named Matteo Artemovich.
Nikki recently shared on Instagram that she was in Napa Valley, where their family lives. Artem, a long-time “DWTS” pro, won Season 29 with Kaitlyn Bristowe in 2020 and placed fourth with Charity Lawson last season.
Artem’s Battle with Depression
In 2020, Nikki Garcia revealed on “The Bellas Podcast” that Artem struggled with depression after being cut from “Dancing With The Stars” for a season. She said it was a tough year for him and their relationship.
Artem eventually found a job before the COVID-19 pandemic, but losing it brought back his depression. When Artem was invited back to the show, Nikki said she saw a change in him and felt like she had her old Artem back.
Taylor Swift Closes Out London Eras Tour with a Night Full of Surprises!
Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev’s Family Life
Nikki and Artem welcomed their son, Matteo Artemovich, on July 31, 2020. Nikki shared her challenging experience giving birth during the pandemic, including laboring for 22 hours and pushing for two hours while wearing a mask in the hot Phoenix weather.
Nikki has always dreamed of being a mom and couldn’t imagine not having a family. She and Artem have been married since 2022.