‘DWTS’ pro Cheryl Burke in ‘complete shock’ over Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest: ‘He was my family’
“Dancing With the Stars” idol Cheryl Burke was in “complete shock” when she learned her friend and former co-star Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on a domestic violence charge, saying the news didn’t gel with the man she has considered part of her “family.”
Burke, 40, spoke about Chigvintsev’s arrest on the August 30 episode of her podcast, “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans,” which she recorded on Thursday, August 29, just hours after the dance pro was booked by sheriff’s deputies in Napa County, California.
“I hesitate to smile right now because of the current news, which I am in complete shock about,” Burke said.
“Artem — it’s so shocking; I get kind of emotional — so he was arrested today. And domestic violence has been thrown in the mix.”
She continued, “I’m not going to say that he was charged with [domestic violence] but allegedly, domestic violence was the issue and he has a bail of, like, $25,000.”
According to online records posted by Napa County and viewed by The Post, Chigvintsev was booked under California Penal Code Section 273.5(a) PC, which “makes it illegal to injure a spouse, cohabitant or fellow parent in an act of domestic violence.”
The statute also states, “This offense is also referred to as domestic abuse, domestic violence or corporal injury to a spouse.”
Providing background on her relationship with Chigvintsev, Burke explained that their history goes far beyond “DWTS.” She revealed that she had “grown up with” the Russian-born dancer, and they “used to live together” in her “family’s home in the [San Francisco] Bay area.”
Burke found it challenging to comprehend that Chigvintsev could have committed an alleged act of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence and Artem don’t really … that’s why it’s so shocking,” Burke said, struggling to find the right words.
“Domestic violence is serious,” she added. “My heart goes out to everyone involved.”
“It’s just really hard for me because he was my family, and I don’t know what to say here other than I hope everybody is OK.”
The alleged victim in the case has not been identified, and under California law, cannot be disclosed by law enforcement. Additionally, the alleged victim has requested their identity be kept completely confidential, as Napa County spokesperson Henry Wofford told The Post on Thursday.
Concern has, nonetheless, been raised for Chigvintsev’s wife, Nikki Bella – who also goes by Nikki Garcia – and the couple’s 4-year-old son, Matteo. Bella, 40, and Matteo live with Chigvintsev in Napa.
A rep for the former WWE Diva told The Post on Friday, “This is a private matter, and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”
Burke added that she “hopes” Bella and Matteo are “OK.”
The two-time “DWTS” champion joined the cast of the dance competition series as a regular dance pro during the show’s second season in 2006.
Chigvintsev became a regular in Season 19 back in 2014. He recurred in every season since then with the exception of seasons 21 and 28. He will not be returning for Season 33, however, a decision which was reportedly made by DWTS head honchos prior to his arrest.
Chigvintsev was released from custody on Thursday at 2:17 PM PST, which was around the time his mugshot was released. An investigation is ongoing.
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.
