Artem Chigvintsev Faces Domestic Battery Charges Amid Resurfaced Allegations by Fern Britton
Artem Chigvintsev, former Strictly Come Dancing pro, has been arrested on domestic battery charges. This comes as past allegations by Fern Britton resurface, claiming he “kicked” and “shoved” her during their time on the show.
Bollywood Fever: Artem Chigvintsev, renowned for his performances on Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With the Stars, is currently facing serious allegations. His former dance partner, Fern Britton, has reportedly accused the professional dancer of abusive behavior during their time together on the reality show.
These accusations have resurfaced following Chigvintsev’s arrest on Thursday, August 29, on domestic battery charges.
Fern Britton, a well-known British television personality, first made these claims in 2015, three years after partnering with Chigvintsev on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012.
According to HuffPost U.K., Britton, 67, alleged that Chigvintsev, 42, would “kick” and “shove” her during rehearsals.
“We would be in hold and he would look at my feet and just kick me or shove me,” Britton stated at the time, as reported by the outlet.
Britton further claimed that Chigvintsev “manhandled” her during their partnership, accusing him of making alarming statements such as, “You just stand there and don’t move, I dance round you,” and “Shut your face. Go home before I kill you.”
In a chilling recollection, Britton allegedly responded, “I would say, ‘Oh please just kill me, it would be easier,’” and described a tense atmosphere during their time together. She also recalled another instance where Chigvintsev allegedly said, “If you go for a cup of tea now, I will blow off like an atomic bomb.”
Chigvintsev, however, denied these allegations when they first surfaced. “I believe I treated Fern with respect and genuine care, and these claims about me are the opposite of everything I believe in and the person I am,” he told the U.K.’s Daily Express in 2015. “I cannot imagine what has prompted such statements which come as a shock to me.”
The recent arrest of Chigvintsev in Napa County, California, has brought these past accusations back into the spotlight. Us Weekly confirmed that Chigvintsev was arrested on a domestic violence charge under section 273.5(a) of the California Penal Code, which pertains to injuring a spouse, cohabitant, or fellow parent.
While Chigvintsev is married to former WWE star Nikki Garcia, it remains unclear if she was involved in the incident.
Napa Valley Sheriff PIO Henry Wofford provided details of the arrest, stating that the sheriff’s department responded to a call in Yountville, California, just after 10 a.m. on Thursday. “We also had an opportunity to speak to the victim and the suspect was arrested without incident. He was not fighting or combative,” Wofford said. Chigvintsev was booked shortly after 10:40 a.m., with bail set at $25,000.
The Napa Valley Police Department has refrained from disclosing any information about the victim, who has “requested complete confidentiality.” Authorities further explained that in cases of felony domestic violence arrests, there is typically an apparent injury visible at the time of the arrest. The investigation remains ongoing.
As the situation unfolds, the resurfacing of Britton’s allegations adds a complicated layer to Chigvintsev’s current legal troubles, raising concerns about his past conduct and future in the entertainment industry.
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