Artem Chigvintsev’s alleged domestic violence victim asks for confidentiality amid investigation
The person who allegedly suffered injuries at the hands of “Dancing With the Stars” pro Artem Chigvintsev has asked for total confidentiality and is cooperating with police amid the ongoing domestic violence investigation.
The reality star, 42, who is married to ex-WWE star Nikki Bella, was arrested by the Napa County Sheriff’s Department just before 10 a.m. on Thursday after deputies responded to a domestic violence call in the town of Yountville.
Chigvintsev was booked on a felony domestic violence charge, and his bail was set at $25,000, according to online records viewed by The Post. He was since been released.
A representative for the sheriff’s office told TMZ that the “DWTS” pro was arrested at the scene, and injuries were reportedly involved.
The rep disclosed to The Post that the alleged victim asked for confidentiality, meaning they likely want their identity and details surrounding the incident under wraps. The person has provided information about what happened, and law enforcement is trying to determine if Chigvintsev has a history of domestic violence with them or anyone else, reported the outlet.
The investigation remains ongoing.
It’s unclear if Chigvintsev’s wife was involved in the incident. The Post has reached out to Chigvintsev and Nikki’s reps for comment.
Interestingly enough, his former “Strictly Come Dancing” — the show he was on before “DWTS” — partner had some troubling accusations against the star years ago that resurfaced following his arrest.
“[Artem] would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me,” English TV presenter and author Fern Britton said in an interview with British newspaper The Times in 2015.
“He was like, ‘Shut your face. Go home before I kill you,’” she continued.
He denied the allegations, telling the Daily Express, “I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am.”
Chigvintsev celebrated his second wedding anniversary with Nikki earlier this week. Both shared heartfelt photos and words about their love story on social media.
Nikki posted a video of footage from their 2022 wedding in Paris and used lyrics from Elvis Presley’s 1961 classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love” to caption it.
“This song is our love story. I’ll never forget where I was when I asked Jesus about Artem,” she wrote via Instagram on Tuesday. “Having a conversation with He & God. How my feelings felt too soon. It all felt too fast. And then this song came on. And that’s when I knew that I was falling in love with him and that it was all meant to be. 🙏🏼✨Happy Anniversary @theartemc I love you! ❤️🔥.”
“Happy anniversary my love , can’t see my life with out you. You are my everything,” Chigvintsev wrote alongside wedding photos, leaving his retired WWE wife to respond, “Happy Anniversary Click 🥹❤️🔥💋 Love you so much!”
Chigvintsev and Nikki met when they were partnered on “DWTS” in 2017, and she was engaged to WWE star John Cena; however, the following year, they abruptly called off their wedding and broke up.
Nikki was in Napa on Wednesday. She shared a makeup-free shot after getting a facial at a local spa. The “Total Bellas” star appeared to be in a cheery mood after the beauty treatment.
“Got a facial today!!love my local spot in downtown Napa,” Nikki wrote holding up a poster that advertised the upcoming Netflix special “Chestnut vs. Kobayashi: Unfinished Beef” about the hot dog-eating champion and his rival.
Chigvintsev and Nikki announced their engagement in 2020 months before welcoming their only child: son Matteo, 4.
“Excited for 2020 and the next decade with you @theartemc ❤️ I said yes in France in November,” Nikki shared. “We have been trying to keep it a secret but really wanted to share our excitement for the New Year!”
Chigvintsev’s “DWTS” career will be shelved. A source told Page Six the pro will not be back for Season 33 following his arrest.
“There were no plans for Artem Chigvintsev to be a part of Season 33 of ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” the insider said.
Chigvintsev joined “DWTS” as a member of the dance troupe in 2009 during Season 18 and was upgraded to pro the following season.
“DWTS” Season 33 airs on September 17 at 8 p.m. ET.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
