On November 12, Artem Chigvintsev made a surprising public appearance at the live taping of the 500th episode of Dancing With the Stars (DWTS), sitting alongside fellow professional dancers Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy. This was a significant moment for the 42-year-old Russian dancer, considering the personal and legal difficulties he has faced in recent months.
In late August, Chigvintsev was arrested in Napa Valley after an alleged domestic violence incident involving his estranged wife, Nikki Garcia. While the charges were ultimately dropped, with prosecutors choosing not to pursue legal action, the incident led to further complications in his personal life. Garcia filed for divorce shortly afterward, and the couple has been embroiled in a legal battle over custody arrangements for their young son. Chigvintsev has publicly stated that this situation has had serious financial consequences for him, causing him to lose out on professional opportunities within the dance community.
Despite these challenges, Chigvintsev appeared to be in good spirits during the DWTS celebration, enjoying the 500th episode alongside his colleagues. His appearance was particularly noteworthy as he had been excluded from the lineup of professional dancers for the current season, reportedly due to the fallout from the arrest. His return to the show, even as a member of the audience, drew attention and sparked conversations among fans and the media.
Chigvintsev’s presence was captured by Peta Murgatroyd on Instagram Stories, which quickly spread across social media, becoming a hot topic. His appearance, combined with the ongoing personal struggles, highlighted the challenges he has faced in both his personal and professional life. Since the incident, Artem has reportedly shifted his career focus, taking on a construction job, as indicated by the restraining order filed by Garcia.
Although his professional dance career has faced a setback, Artem Chigvintsev remains a beloved figure within the DWTS community. His presence at the milestone episode serves as a reminder of his enduring connection to the show and its fans. As he continues to navigate the complexities of his personal life, it remains unclear what the future holds for him professionally. However, his appearance at the 500th episode proves that, despite personal setbacks, Artem’s place in the DWTS family is still strong, and his fans continue to offer their support.
