Artem Chigvintsev on DWTS: Arrest, Divorce, and Exit

Artem Chigvintsev, the professional dancer who won Season 29 of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, has not appeared on DWTS since Season 32 in 2023. He was left off the Season 33 cast in 2024, was arrested that August on a felony domestic violence charge that prosecutors declined to pursue, and finalized a divorce from former WWE star Nikki Garcia. As of April 2026, he had not been invited back to the show.

Why Artem Isn’t on Dancing with the Stars Anymore

Chigvintsev was not part of the Season 33 professional cast that aired in fall 2024. Multiple outlets reported the decision had been made before his August 2024 arrest, and noted that pros routinely rotate seasons depending on which celebrities are booked.1People. Artem Chigvintsev Was Not Returning to Dancing With the Stars Before Arrest Garcia later alleged in a legal filing that Chigvintsev had been cut roughly a week before the incident at their home and that the loss of the job fed his anger. She also claimed he took a construction job afterward and “felt it was beneath him.”2People. Artem Chigvintsev Worked Construction Job After Being Cut From DWTS, Claims Nikki Garcia

He has not been asked back in the seasons since. Chigvintsev described the absence as a “giant void” in his life and said he has not watched a single episode since leaving. He said he hopes for “an honest conversation” with producers about a possible return.3E! Online. Artem Chigvintsev

His DWTS Career Before the Exit

Chigvintsev joined the DWTS troupe in Season 18 in 2014. Over the next decade, his celebrity partners included singer Patti LaBelle, figure skater Nancy Kerrigan, and Paralympic champion Danielle Umstead. He was paired with Nikki Garcia during Season 25, which is how the two met.4Us Magazine. Looking Back at Artem Chigvintsev’s Dancing With the Stars History

His best-known moment on the show came in Season 29, when he won the Mirrorball trophy with Bachelorette alum Kaitlyn Bristowe.5ABC News. Dancing With the Stars Season 32 Pros and Mirrorball Wins His final season was Season 32, where he partnered with Charity Lawson and finished fourth.4Us Magazine. Looking Back at Artem Chigvintsev’s Dancing With the Stars History

The August 2024 Arrest

On the morning of August 29, 2024, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office responded to the couple’s home in Yountville, California, after a 911 call. Chigvintsev was arrested and booked into the Napa County Jail on a charge under California Penal Code 273.5(a), which criminalizes injuring a spouse, cohabitant, or co-parent. Bail was set at $25,000, and he was released the same day.6Variety. Artem Chigvintsev Arrested for Domestic Violence7ABC7 News. DWTS Pro Artem Chigvintsev Arrested in Napa County

On September 24, 2024, the Napa County District Attorney’s Office announced it would not file criminal charges. District Attorney Allison Haley said the decision followed a “thorough review of the criminal investigation and careful evaluation of the evidence presented,” and that her office had “an ethical obligation to only file charges when supported by the evidence” sufficient to prove them beyond a reasonable doubt.8Good Morning America. Artem Chigvintsev Avoids Criminal Charges After Domestic Violence Arrest

Garcia’s representatives said she had “requested that the Napa District Attorney not file charges against Artem as she did not want him to go to jail,” while adding that “he must still be held accountable for his actions, and Nikki and her son must be protected.”9E! Online. Nikki Garcia’s Ex Artem Chigvintsev Says Domestic Violence Arrest Completely Ruined His Life

What Each Side Said Happened

Both agreed the argument began over their four-year-old son Matteo’s breakfast, but their accounts diverged from there.

Garcia, in a petition for a temporary domestic violence restraining order, alleged that Chigvintsev had been “increasingly angry” since being cut from DWTS. She said she had a “momentary lapse in judgement” and threw their son’s toddler-size shoes at him, after which he “tackled” her to the ground and held her for 20 to 30 seconds, pushed her into the bedroom, and pressed his hands on her chest on the bathroom floor until she felt like she was “suffocating.” An officer reportedly noted red marks on Garcia’s chest and arms. She also alleged a 2023 incident in which he had “violently grabbed me around my waist.”10People. Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia File Dual Restraining Orders

Chigvintsev, in his own restraining order filing, denied ever tackling Garcia and called her allegations “absolutely false.” He said Garcia “completely lost it,” screamed for him to leave, and threw both of Matteo’s sneakers forcefully at his chest.11New York Post. DWTS Pro Artem Chigvintsev Gets Restraining Order Against Nikki Garcia He said he carried his son to another room to de-escalate, that Garcia forced her way in, and that what followed was a “mutual struggle” in which “both ended up on the ground.” He included photos of marks he said Garcia had caused. His attorney, Ilona Antonyan, said he “was not the primary aggressor” and had been “protecting himself and Matteo.”12San Francisco Chronicle. Artem Chigvintsev Domestic Violence Charges Dropped

Divorce, Custody, and Settlement

Garcia filed for divorce at the Napa County Superior Court on September 11, 2024, initially seeking sole legal and physical custody of Matteo with visitation for Chigvintsev. Chigvintsev asked for joint legal and physical custody.13Page Six. Artem Chigvintsev Requests Spousal Support From Nikki Garcia in Divorce

A judge granted Garcia’s restraining order on September 30, 2024, barring Chigvintsev from coming within 100 yards of her, their son, their home, or her vehicle. His own protective order was granted on October 4, 2024.10People. Artem Chigvintsev and Nikki Garcia File Dual Restraining Orders In November 2024, the couple reached a settlement through private mediation and agreed to drop both orders to make co-parenting workable.14E! Online. Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev Drop Dual Restraining Orders Amid Divorce Settlement

A judge signed the final divorce settlement. Its terms:

Where Things Stand Now

In a February 2025 podcast interview, Chigvintsev said the arrest “completely ruined everything for me. From every angle. It ruined my life completely.” He said the release of his mugshot triggered an immediate public presumption of guilt: “For them, in their mind, you are immediately guilty. There is nothing you can say or try to justify yourself and change their minds.” He also said the divorce was not his decision and that his goal “would have been to keep the family united.”17ABC News. Artem Chigvintsev Recounts Arrest, Dismissed Charges

Garcia addressed the coverage during a June 2025 appearance on E!’s Honestly Cavallari: The Headline Tour. She said she felt the media had made her “more of a villain than I am” and argued that her WWE background as a tough, physical performer led people to assume she lacked empathy. She said her wrestling career was used against her during the divorce proceedings.18E! Online. Nikki Garcia on Artem Chigvintsev Divorce Double Standard

Chigvintsev’s representative said his “sole focus and highest priority remains the well-being of his son.”19Us Magazine. Artem Chigvintsev Buys $915K Home After Nikki Garcia Divorce