Artem Chigvintsev’s Lawyer Makes Surprising Claim In Statement Issued To People Magazine

Last month, Russian dancer Artem Chingvintsev, who is best known for appearing on Dancing With The Stars, was arrested for domestic violence, with most assuming it was against his wife, Nikki Garcia. However, just days after the Napa County District Attorney’s Office announced they wouldn’t charge the dancer after reviewing the evidence, Chingvintsev’s lawyer has issued a statement to People claiming his client “ was not the primary aggressor. ” Additionally, he unexpectedly added that Chigvintsev was protecting himself and their son Matteo, seemingly blaming Garcia.

“My understanding of the investigated facts surrounding the 8/29/24 incident have led me to conclude from the beginning that Artem was not the primary aggressor. I believe that to be true even if the burden of proof would be the preponderance of evidence, which is the standard of proof in family court. He was protecting himself and Matteo.

Fortunately, he has a strong support group of loving family and friends. I am confident he will move forward from this situation with strength and dignity. Artem is fully committed to fostering a positive co-parenting relationship with his ex.”

42-year-old Chingvintsev first came to fame in the UK via Strictly Come Dancing before moving to the US to be a professional dancer on Dancing with the Stars. Subsequently, he partnered with names like Lea Thompson, Patti LaBelle, Nancy Kerrigan, Mischa Barton, and Maureen McCormick. Yet, he became known to WWE fans when he performed with wrestler Nikki Garcia, then known as Nikki Bella. Still, it should be noted that while they did become close friends at this time, it wasn’t until Garcia broke up with fellow WWE star John Cena that she started a relationship with Chingvintsev.