Artem Chigvintsev is in trouble. Really big trouble.
This week, he found himself behind bars, and though details about him are slowly being released, we do know that he has been charged with domestic violence.
Three days after celebrating his wedding anniversary with his wife Nikki Garcia.
There is a lot to unravel and a lot that is still unclear, but the truth is that many believe Artem Chigvintsev is at risk of getting into an increasing number of divorces.
And he knows better than anyone how painful divorce can be.
Artem Chigvintsev’s divorce: why did his first marriage fail?
In 2003, Artem Chigvintsev met professional dancer Giselle Peacock at the Blackpool Dance Festival.
It took several years for a 20-year-old to realize the fame of being on television, and his whole world was dance.
Soon after they met, Artem flew from his home in Russia to the US to attend Giselle’s wedding. He never returned to Russia.
Soon after, the two began competing together while still dating. They won five Amateur Latin competitions between 2003 and 2005.
They got married in 2004, but separated the very next year. That same year, Artem took part in the first season so you Think You Can DanceAnd his career took off.
Gisele has remarried, is the mother of two little girls, and has never spoken publicly about her time with Artem.
Artem Chigvintsev is married to Carrie Ann Inaba
Shortly after Artem Chigvintsev’s divorce, he met a new special person.
Enter Carrie Ann Anaba.
A renowned and accomplished choreographer, she appeared in the first season of so you Think You Can Dance During the auditions for the “Choreography Round”.
The two met on the sets of the show in 2006, a year after their divorce.
Things got pretty serious. The two dated for about three years. However, they split in 2009. Four years later, they reunited on Dancing With the Stars, but thankfully, it never became outwardly awkward for their exes.
Artem has found his forever partner – hopefully
After Carrie Ann, Artem’s name was linked to several other DWTS colleagues, including Mischa Barton.
Nothing came of it – that is, until season 25. Artem was paired with Nikki Garcia, a popular professional wrestler who was known as one of the Bella Twins.
At that time, Nikki was engaged to John Cena. Their wedding bells were going to ring in the future.
But she and Cena split the following year, leaving Nikki free to reunite with Artem.
Things moved pretty quickly after that. The two got engaged in January 2020, and seven months later, their first son, Matteo, was born in July.
They then announced in August 2022 that they had tied the knot in Paris after being together for over three years. The entire event was filmed for their reality show, Nikki Bella Says I Do.
And thus, everything seemed perfect for the couple.
Until…
Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest and divorce expected
On August 29, he was arrested on charges of domestic violence. TMZ,
A representative with the Napa County Sheriff’s Office told the outlet that deputies responded to a domestic violence call at a location in the town of Yountville shortly before 10 a.m. One arrest was made at the scene, and a few people were reportedly injured.
It is not yet confirmed whether Nikki or her younger son Matteo were involved in the incident.
But fans are growing increasingly concerned. Artem has been charged under California Penal Code 273.5(a), which makes it illegal to injure a spouse, cohabitant, or co-parent as part of domestic violence.
The day before her arrest, Nikki posted from a spa in Napa, confirming she was with Artem at the time of the incident.
What makes the situation even worse is that the incident happened just days after their wedding anniversary. Both Artem and Nikki posted emotional and loving tributes to each other.
After seeing those posts, it seems inconceivable that Artem would be arrested for domestic violence three days later. Yet, here we are.
Time will tell if whatever happened will result in another divorce for Artem Chigvintsev. We can only hope that the best decision is made for everyone involved.