Former Strictly Come Dancing partner Fern Britton alleged that Artem Chigvintsev kicked and shoved her during their time together on the reality show in 2012. Britton claimed that the Dancing With the Stars pro would manhandle her and say disrespectful things to her during their rehearsals. Chigvintsev denied these claims, stating that he treated Britton with respect and care and that the allegations were shocking to him.
In 2015, Britton also alleged that Chigvintsev threatened her by saying, “Shut your face. Go home before I kill you.” She further claimed that he would make threatening remarks like, “If you go for a cup of tea now, I will blow off like an atomic bomb.” Chigvintsev denied these claims, reiterating that he treated Britton with respect and care during their time together on the show. Britton’s allegations resurfaced following Chigvintsev’s arrest on August 29 on domestic battery charges.
Artem Chigvintsev was arrested on a domestic violence charge in Napa County, California, on Thursday and was later released from jail. Chigvintsev was charged under section 273.5(a) of the California Penal Code, which pertains to causing injury to a spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent. It is unclear if Chigvintsev’s wife, former WWE star Nikki Garcia, was involved in the incident. The Napa Valley Sheriff’s Department responded to the call in Yountville, California, after which Chigvintsev was arrested without incident. Chigvintsev’s bail was set at $25,000 and the investigation is ongoing.
The Napa Valley Police Department stated that they cannot confirm any information about the victim, who has requested complete confidentiality. Authorities noted that when a suspect is arrested for felony domestic violence, it indicates that there was a visible injury at the time of the arrest. Chigvintsev was booked after 10:40 a.m. on Thursday and was released later that day. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing as the police work to gather more information about what occurred between Chigvintsev and the victim in Yountville, California.
Fern Britton’s allegations have brought attention to the issue of domestic violence and how it can manifest in various forms, including emotional and verbal abuse. Britton’s claims about Chigvintsev’s behavior shed light on the importance of recognizing and addressing abuse in all its forms. Chigvintsev’s denial of the allegations and subsequent arrest have sparked discussion about the seriousness of domestic violence and the need to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The ongoing investigation into the incident will provide more clarity on what occurred between Chigvintsev and the victim in Yountville.
The reemergence of Fern Britton’s allegations against Artem Chigvintsev has sparked debate about the issue of abuse in the dance industry and the need for accountability and transparency. Britton’s claims about Chigvintsev’s behavior have raised questions about the dynamics of power and control in professional dance partnerships and the responsibility of production companies to ensure a safe work environment for their talent. Chigvintsev’s arrest on domestic battery charges has also highlighted the importance of taking allegations of abuse seriously and providing support to victims who come forward with their experiences. The outcome of the investigation will determine the next steps in addressing the incident and ensuring justice is served.
The incident involving Artem Chigvintsev and the allegations made by Fern Britton underscore the complexities of domestic violence and its impact on individuals and communities. Britton’s recount of her experience with Chigvintsev sheds light on the lasting effects of abuse and the need for survivors to speak out and seek justice for the harm inflicted upon them. Chigvintsev’s denial of the allegations and subsequent arrest highlight the challenges in addressing accusations of abuse and the importance of conducting thorough investigations to determine the facts of the case. Moving forward, the case will continue to draw attention to the issue of domestic violence and the steps that need to be taken to prevent and address such incidents in the future.
