“Dancing with the Stars” pro Artem Chigvintsev reportedly wasn’t contracted to appear on the series’ upcoming 33rd season before his felony arrest Thursday for domestic violence, just days after celebrating his anniversary with wife Nikki Garcia.
The Russian dancer, 42, was not among the names of those participating in the upcoming season of the ABC hit, which will be announced in full on Sept. 4, ahead of the Sept. 17 season premiere, People reports.
Though he’s danced as a pro on the show for 12 seasons — including the past four consecutive ones — pro dancers rotate on the show based on the celebrity partners cast, per People.
Chigvintsev made headlines Thursday when he was arrested in California and booked at 10:40 a.m. local time for felony corporal injury of a spouse, according to online records from Napa County Jail. He posted $25,000 bail and was released at 2:18 p.m. local time.
The party or parties involved have not yet been confirmed, though Chigvintsev is married to 40-year-old Garcia — formerly Nikki Bella.
“This is a private matter and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time,” a rep for the retired WWE wrestler told People.
The arrest comes just after Garcia and Chigvintsev both celebrated their second wedding anniversary earlier this week.
In the dispatch call to 911, obtained Friday by TMZ, the dispatcher said, “Initially came in as requesting medical, but now he is stating he got into an argument with his wife and his wife threw shoes at [reporting party].”
“DWTS” set the stage for the couple, who met as dance partners on the series during Garcia’s engagement to John Cena in 2017. Following the wrestlers’ breakup, Garcia and Chigvintsev confirmed their own relationship in early 2019 and were engaged by the end of the year. They are also parents to son Matteo, 4.
On Monday, Chigvintsev shared a portrait from the couple’s Aug. 26, 2022 wedding, and said, “You are my everything.”
Garcia also shared clips from the pair’s wedding and a family trip to Paris, captioned with the lyrics of Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” which she said represented “our love story.”
