Artem Chigvintsev Speaks Out: How His Domestic Violence Arrest “Completely Ruined” His Life

Six months after Artem Chigvintsev’s shocking domestic violence arrest, the Dancing With the Stars pro is finally breaking his silence. Despite the charges being dropped, Artem says the ordeal had devastating consequences—costing him his career, reputation, and even his marriage to Nikki Garcia.

Speaking on the Glamourous Grind podcast (Feb. 18), the 42-year-old dancer opened up about the emotional and financial toll of the scandal and how it completely changed his life.

So, what really happened? And can Artem rebuild his career and public image? Let’s take a deep dive into the full story.

A Shocking Arrest That Changed Everything

In August 2024, Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on domestic violence charges, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry. His arrest, which was widely publicized, fueled intense speculation about his marriage with WWE star and reality TV personality Nikki Garcia.

Although the district attorney eventually dropped the charges, citing insufficient evidence, Artem says the damage was already done.

Artem: “It Completely Ruined Everything for Me”

Artem didn’t hold back when describing the lasting impact of his arrest, revealing how it turned his world upside down.

“It completely ruined everything for me,” he said on the podcast. “From every angle, it ruined my life completely.”

While he was legally cleared, Artem says the court of public opinion had already passed judgment.

“The worst part of all of this was because the DA dropped the case, clearly stating there was nothing they could possibly have charged me on,” Artem explained.

Still, the mere accusation was enough to tarnish his name.

The Mugshot That Won’t Go Away

One of the biggest obstacles to Artem’s public redemption has been his mugshot, which continues to circulate online.

“When people see that mugshot, for them, in their mind, you are immediately guilty,” he said. “There is nothing you can say or try to justify yourself to change their minds.”

This is a common issue for public figures—regardless of whether they are proven innocent, their association with a criminal case can haunt them for years.

The Financial Toll: Artem Claims He Lost $100,000

One of the biggest hits Artem took was financial.

“I lost over $100,000 in income,” he revealed, attributing his losses to professional opportunities that disappeared after his arrest.

For a working professional in the entertainment industry, scandals like this can mean lost jobs, canceled contracts, and fewer invitations to high-profile projects.

Artem’s main source of income—his career as a professional dancer and TV personality—was directly impacted.

His Marriage Was Already in Trouble

While the domestic violence arrest brought Artem and Nikki’s marriage into the public spotlight, sources say their relationship had been struggling for months before the incident.

Artem himself admitted that the divorce wasn’t his decision. “It’s a seven-year relationship,” he reflected. “I didn’t stop loving a person that day and then decide to get a divorce. It wasn’t my decision to get a divorce.”

Even in the final days of their marriage, Artem says he tried to fight for their relationship. “Maybe we should do therapy, maybe we should try to figure something out,” he recalled thinking.

However, Nikki Garcia ultimately decided to move forward with the divorce—and by the end of the process, Artem admitted he felt relieved. “I needed to go back to living my life, and I needed to move on—emotionally, financially—and I just wanted my life to be normal again,” he shared.

Nikki Garcia’s Life After Divorce

While Artem is dealing with the consequences of his arrest, Nikki Garcia has taken a different approach—focusing on her son and moving forward.

The couple shares a 4-year-old son, Matteo, and for Nikki, motherhood is her top priority.

“He gives me the greatest love ever,” Nikki told E! News about her son. “He fills my cup up beyond.”

Unlike Artem, Nikki has largely avoided discussing the arrest publicly, instead choosing to focus on her personal growth and career.

Nikki Garcia’s Life After Divorce

While Artem is dealing with the consequences of his arrest, Nikki Garcia has taken a different approach—focusing on her son and moving forward.

The couple shares a 4-year-old son, Matteo, and for Nikki, motherhood is her top priority.

“He gives me the greatest love ever,” Nikki told E! News about her son. “He fills my cup up beyond.”

Unlike Artem, Nikki has largely avoided discussing the arrest publicly, instead choosing to focus on her personal growth and career.

What’s Next for Artem? Can He Make a Comeback?

Now that the legal case is behind him, Artem is focused on rebuilding his life and career.

Artem’s Next Steps

For Artem to make a successful comeback, he will likely need to:

1. Repair his public image – More interviews, public appearances, and positive press coverage could help change the narrative.
2. Revive his career – Whether through Dancing With the Stars or other projects, he needs to re-establish himself in Hollywood.
3. Prioritize fatherhood – His relationship with Matteo will continue to be a central focus in his life.

Can Artem Return to “Dancing With the Stars”?

One big question is whether DWTS will bring Artem back for another season.

• Will the network distance itself from him due to the controversy?
• Or will producers believe in his innocence and give him another shot?

If Artem is able to rebuild his reputation, a return to the show might still be possible.

Final Thoughts: A Scandal That Changed Everything

Artem Chigvintsev’s domestic violence arrest might not have led to criminal charges, but it completely changed his life.

• His reputation took a massive hit, with his mugshot haunting him online.
• He lost over $100,000 in professional opportunities.
• His marriage to Nikki Garcia ended, despite his efforts to save it.
• Nikki, on the other hand, has moved forward, focusing on her son and career.

While Artem is determined to turn things around, it remains to be seen if he can truly move past this scandal.

Will he be able to rebuild his career? Or will this domestic violence controversy follow him forever?

One thing is certain: Artem’s fight for redemption is far from over.