Cheryl Burke, a former pro on Dancing with the Stars, has spoken up after Artem Chigvintsev’s arrest for felony domestic violence. This incident occurred on August 29 at his California home with estranged wife Nikki Garcia.
It has shocked their friends, including Burke.The couple, who share a 4-year-old son, Matteo, are now in the midst of a divorce.
“This is just a really unfortunate situation, and I just hope everybody’s OK,” Burke told People. She referred to both Artem and Nikki.
She said, “I hope that Nikki and Artem are protecting their heart, and I hope that, more importantly, their son is OK.””
Burke, who has known Chigvintsev for years, added that she was left “in complete shock” over the arrest.
During an episode of her Sex, Lies, and Spray Tans podcast, she elaborated, “It’s just really hard for me because he was — he’s my family.”
Having shared a deep bond with Artem before their Dancing with the Stars fame, Cheryl reflected on their close connection. “We used to live together in my family’s home in the Bay Area,” she revealed. “It’s so shocking. I get kind of emotional. My heart goes out to everyone involved.”
Cheryl Burke Offers Support and Advice to Nikki Garcia
After Nikki Garcia filed for divorce, Cheryl Burke offered advice. She drew from her own experience with a public divorce from actor Matthew Lawrence. Burke empathized with Nikki, understanding the emotional toll such situations take on a family.
“It’s not easy, but I believe if you just give the time that you need to grieve, we all grieve differently.
There’s no one way that someone should experience grief,” Burke shared. She urged Nikki to prioritize her own well-being, explaining, “It’s important to choose you and to protect you.”
Cheryl’s advice also focused on the need for self-reflection during difficult times. “In society today, we tend to take care of everyone else’s needs… without really sitting with ourselves,” she explained, urging Nikki to take the time she needs to heal.
Burke stressed the need to take a break from work to focus on family. He said, “Even if it requires putting their careers on hold, their family’s well-being should come first.””
Cheryl Burke has maintained celibacy post-divorce from Matthew Lawrence. The choice to remain single since their split in 2022 has been a deliberate one for the dancer. pic.twitter.com/dZKV5ub4AS
— Gossip In 60 Mins (@GossipIn60Mins) September 19, 2024
Artem’s DWTS Co-Star Maksim Chmerkovskiy Weighs In
Cheryl reacted emotionally to Artem’s arrest, but Maksim Chmerkovskiy was more cautious.
On The TMZ Podcast, he said he contacted Artem after hearing the news but was careful not to judge too quickly.
“I’m confident that the Artem I know wouldn’t harm a woman,” Chmerkovskiy shared. However, he made it clear that if the allegations are true, Artem would need to take responsibility. “If he did hit Nikki, he needs to own up to that,” Maksim said.
Chmerkovskiy also expressed support for Nikki, wishing her strength during the divorce process. He addressed Artem’s potential return to DWTS. Artem’s skills make him an asset to the show. But, his future involvement depends on how the allegations unfold.
Divorce and Custody Battle Intensify
Nikki Garcia filed for divorce from Artem Chigvintsev shortly after his arrest, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Artem responded by listing the date of their separation as August 29—the same day as his arrest. He is seeking joint custody of their son, Matteo, as well as spousal support and coverage of his legal fees.
The divorce marks the end of their highly publicized relationship, which blossomed after they met on Dancing with the Stars in 2017.
After the arrest, Nikki removed Artem from her social media. He briefly removed her, then re-added her. This sparked speculation about their relationship.
