Yahoo News Ex-Strictly star Artem Chigvintsev arrested on suspicion of domestic violence
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Artem Chigvintsev has been arrested in the US on suspicion of domestic violence.
The dancer appeared on the BBC show between 2010 and 2013, and in recent years has been known for appearing on the US equivalent Dancing with the Stars.
According to NBC News, Chigvintsev was arrested on Thursday (August 29) in California, and later released after bail of $25,000 (£18,961) was posted at a Napa county jail.
Jail records show that he was arrested under section 273.5(a) of the California penal code, which indicates "corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition upon a victim" to a current or former spouse, cohabitant, partner, or fellow parent to a child of the alleged offender (via BBC News).
NBC News quotes Napa County sheriff's spokesperson Officer Henry Wofford as saying that the arrest followed a 911 call that was placed at around 10am on Thursday.
Chigvintsev has been booked but not charged. A spokesperson for the Napa County district attorney's office added it hasn't yet received details of the case, and will review once these have been received.
Digital Spy has reached out to Chigvintsev's representatives for comment.
The dancer debuted on Strictly's eighth season, winning the series in his first year with celebrity dance partner Kara Tointon. The pair were also romantically involved for three years after competing on the show, with Tointon announcing their separation in 2014.
Following Chigvintsev's Strictly departure, he joined Dancing with the Stars, winning the show in 2020 with The Bachelorette's Kaitlyn Bristowe.
Chigvintsev is married to WWE star Nikki Garcia, previously known as Nikki Bella.
BBC News reports that it is not clear whether Garcia is in any way involved in the alleged incident.
Additionally, NBC News reports Wofford as saying that details about the victim, any relationship and the location of the arrest would not be released, citing privacy reasons.
Chigvintsev and Garcia recently marked their second wedding anniversary. They were partnered together on Dancing with the Stars in 2017, and together they welcomed a son called Matteo in 2020.
Strictly Come Dancing will return later this year on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on weeknights on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
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