Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest for domestic violence on Thursday has since brought to light long-standing issues in his marriage to Nikki Bella — as well as the resurfacing of past allegations of abuse from a dance partner.
The marriage between the former “Dancing with the Stars” pro and WWE star has allegedly always been “volatile,” according to sources, who tell TMZ there have been frequent arguments for years, often around belittlement and control.
Insiders close to the couple say they weren’t entirely shocked by the news of Chigvintsev’s arrest, which happened after he called paramedics to their Napa Valley home Thursday morning but later canceled that request.
Despite telling first responders not to come, police still showed up to the home roughly an hour later. Upon arrival, they observed injuries consistent with assault and arrested Chigvintsev at the scene.
He was booked at Napa County Jail on charges of felony corporal injury to a spouse and later released on $25,000 bail.
Though Bella was presumably involved in the altercation, that has not been confirmed by her representatives or local law enforcement, who told the Daily News on Thursday the victim had “asked for confidentiality.”
The couple’s relationship troubles have reportedly been well-known among their friends, including former colleagues from “Dancing with the Stars,” the sources claim.
Bella also admitted on a 2021 podcast that she and the Russian dancer were attending couples therapy due to their communication issues, particularly the way he spoke to her when he would get angry or stressed.
Further complicating matters are allegations against Chigvintsev from his time on the U.K. competition show “Strictly Come Dancing,” which have resurfaced within the past day.
In a 2015 interview, British TV personality Fern Britton accused him of being physically abusive during their 2012 stint on the show, including shoving and kicking her, in addition to making threatening comments.
She recalled becoming scared of Chigvintsev, citing a specific time when he allegedly told her, “Shut your face. Go home before I kill you.”
Chigvintsev denied the allegations at the time, stating he always treated Britton with respect and care.