Artem Chigvintsev Shares Harsh Truths Post-Scandal: “It Ruined Everything”
So, Artem Chigvintsev—yeah, the dashing pro dancer from “Dancing With the Stars”—is getting real about the fallout from his surprising legal drama. A mere six months after a domestic violence arrest (which, spoiler alert, didn’t lead to charges), Artem sat down on the Glamourous Grind podcast to unpack just how this scandal threw his world into chaos. “It completely ruined everything for me,” he lamented, laying bare the emotional and financial toll it took. In case you missed it, the charges were dropped by the district attorney, who essentially said they had no case; however, the damage was done. The mugshot? It’s his new “forever setting”—one that many can’t seem to shake off.
Artem mentioned in court filings that he lost a whopping $100,000 in income, and let’s be real. Once you have that mugshot in your public life, folks will judge you faster than you can say “hot ballroom routine.” He shared how it feels impossible to change people’s minds when they see that image. Still processing the emotional rollercoaster, Artem revealed the heart-wrenching truth: “It wasn’t my decision to get a divorce.” It seems like the whole ordeal was a whirlwind for him, yet he needed to move forward, particularly for their son Matteo, who’s just four years old.
In a twist of irony, after settling his differences with ex-wife Nikki Garcia, he felt relief despite their tumultuous seven-year history. It’s clear that both parents are trying to focus on Matteo—Nikki has been candid about how motherhood brings her unparalleled joy, stating he’s “the greatest love ever.” As for Chigvintsev, finding closure seems to be key for him, even if the scars from this chapter linger.
Fun fact: Domestic violence allegations in the entertainment industry aren’t new, with many celebrities facing public scrutiny and fallout over similar issues. In recent years, several high-profile cases have led to significant career impacts—think Johnny Depp’s fallout from his legal troubles, which led to public revulsion and professional consequences that echo Chigvintsev’s experience. With both stars trying to move forward, fans are left watching their journey unfold.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and Glamourous Grind Podcast, E! News, NBC News
