“Dancing With the Stars” star Cheryl Burke expressed shock and concern upon learning about the arrest of her friend and former co-star Artem Chigvintsev on a domestic violence charge. Burke, who considered Chigvintsev part of her family, shared her emotions on her podcast, “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans,” shortly after his arrest on August 29. Chigvintsev was booked in Napa County, California, under a domestic violence charge, leaving Burke struggling to understand how this could have happened.
Despite the allegations, Burke emphasized the seriousness of domestic violence and expressed her sympathy for everyone involved, particularly Chigvintsev’s wife Nikki Bella and their young son Matteo. Nikki Bella’s representative requested privacy during this challenging time.
Chigvintsev joined “DWTS” in 2014 and became a regular on the show, with the exception of a few seasons. The decision for him not to return for Season 33 was reportedly made before his arrest. Chigvintsev was released from custody, and an investigation is ongoing.
For those affected by domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available for support. Cheryl Burke’s reaction to the news highlights the impact of these allegations on relationships, families, and communities within the entertainment industry. The unfolding situation involving Chigvintsev serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and preventing domestic violence.
Source
Photo credit nypost.com