Artem Chigvinstev at 23rd Annual Race To Erase MS Gala

Artem Chigvintsev's 'Toxic' 'Dancing With The Stars' Routine Resurfaces

Home / Entertainment / Artem Chigvintsev's 'Toxic' 'Dancing With The Stars' Routine Resurfaces

By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on September 24, 2024 at 10:15 AM EDT

An old "Dancing With the Stars" dance featuring Artem Chigvintsev is resurfacing, and fans can't help but notice that it "didn't age well."

Last month, the "DWTS" alum, who is married to Nikki Garcia, was taken into custody and booked on a felony domestic violence charge, with bail set at $25,000. He did not resist arrest and was subsequently transported to the Napa County Department of Corrections.

Artem Chigvintsev posted bail and was released from custody at 2:18 p.m. on August 29.

Article continues below advertisement

Nikki Garcia Files For Divorce From Artem Chigvintsev

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev film their new reality tv show in Studio City
MEGA

In divorce filings submitted by Nikki on September 11, just two weeks after the "Dancing With the Stars" pro was arrested on a domestic violence charge, she requested both legal and physical custody of their son, Matteo, according to documents obtained by TMZ.

In response, Artem filed his own paperwork on September 13, as reported by Us Weekly, seeking joint legal and physical custody while also requesting spousal support from Nikki.

Despite their legal differences, Nikki and Artem are in agreement on one key aspect: their official date of separation, which is noted as August 29—the same day he was taken into custody by police.

Article continues below advertisement

Artem Chigvintsev's Song Choice Was 'Truly Fitting'

Weeks after his arrest, an old performance of Artem is resurfacing. Although the dance was with "The Bachelorette" alum Kaitlyn Bristowe and not Nikki Garcia, fans couldn't help but notice the song choice—"Toxic" by Britney Spears.

"The song choice was truly fitting," she captioned the video.

"Ooooop," one user replied, adding the skull emoji.

Naturally, comments about the dance not “aging well” are circulating due to Artem's recent arrest for domestic violence, with many speculating that the alleged victim is his wife, Nikki Garcia, whom he met on "Dancing With the Stars."

Article continues below advertisement

The Identity Of The Victim Remains Unknown

Nikki Garcia and Artem Chigvintsev at FOX's Teen Choice Awards 2019
MEGA

Wofford informed NBC News that Artem was arrested in Yountville, California, but did not disclose the specific location due to a request for privacy from the alleged victim. As a result, he noted that the Sheriff’s Office is withholding the name, gender, age, and relationship of the alleged victim to Artem.

“When someone is charged with felony domestic violence, usually this means there is a visible injury or credible eyewitness,” he told E! News. “Our deputies felt comfortable arresting him on felony domestic violence charges.”

“Of course, this could change with more evidence that might come through,” Wofford added. "But at the time of the arrest, the deputies felt it was a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor."

Article continues below advertisement

911 Call Released

Nikki Bella and Artem Chigvintsev at Fryman Canyon Trails
MEGA

In an audio recording obtained by TMZ on August 30, a dispatcher is heard indicating that Artem initially called 911 seeking medical assistance following an argument in which shoes were reportedly thrown at him.

However, the dispatcher later revealed that the 42-year-old ultimately stated that medical help was no longer required.

“For domestic violence, if someone picks up the phone and says, ‘You don’t have to come after all,’ we’re still going to go for a welfare check," Wofford told Page Six. "We’re not just going to stop what we’re doing."

Article continues below advertisement

Brie Garcia Gives Update About Her Sister

Nikki Garcia and Brie Garcia at 2023 ESPY Awards
MEGA

Brie made a solo appearance on the September 23 episode of her "Nikki & Brie" podcast, where she shared an update on her twin's journey during this challenging time.

"Nikki isn’t here because, as you all know, she’s going through something personal in her life," Brie said. "And she just asks for her privacy for her and her family, so we’re going to give that, but she sees all the support and love and we’re always grateful for all of your love and support, so thank you all for that.”

Brie shared that Nikki is expected to return to the podcast in about a week. In the meantime, Nikki is concentrating on moving forward with her and Artem's 4-year-old son, Matteo.

"It’s something I’ve dreamed of my whole life,” Nikki told People Magazine at the time of her pregnancy announcement. “I can’t imagine life without being a mom and experiencing the miracle of life and raising a child. I’m just so family-oriented that I couldn’t imagine not having that family life.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

Advertisement