Upon discussing the shocking news of Artem Chigvintsev’s recent domestic violence arrest on her podcast, “Sex, Lies and Spray Tans,” Cheryl Burke couldn’t hide her emotions. She expressed her shock and disbelief at the situation, considering Chigvintsev a close friend and someone she had grown up with. The news hit her hard, and she struggled to find the right words to convey her feelings.
Chigvintsev, a former “Dancing With the Stars” co-star of Burke, was arrested and charged with felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant. This serious charge involves willfully inflicting physical injury on another person. Despite being released on bail shortly after his arrest, the implications of the situation weighed heavily on Burke as she grappled with the news of someone she considered family being involved in such an incident.
Burke and Chigvintsev had a longstanding relationship, having known each other for decades within the ballroom dance community. Their bond strengthened when they competed together on “Dancing With the Stars” in 2014, forming a close friendship that extended beyond the competition. Burke’s emotional response to Chigvintsev’s arrest stemmed from her deep connection to him as a friend and former colleague.
As Burke addressed the seriousness of domestic violence and its impact on individuals and families, she expressed her concern for Chigvintsev’s wife, Nikki Garcia, and their young son Matteo. The gravity of the situation was not lost on Burke, who emphasized the importance of ensuring the well-being of those affected by such incidents. Her comments underscored the severity of domestic violence and the need for support and awareness in addressing related issues.
The circumstances surrounding Chigvintsev’s arrest, reportedly triggered by a “medical emergency” call to authorities, unfolded in a manner that caught many by surprise. Burke acknowledged that the accusations of domestic violence against Chigvintsev were unexpected, given her perception of him as a person. The sequence of events leading to the arrest, including Chigvintsev’s alleged mood following a professional setback, added layers of complexity to the situation.
Burke’s reflections on her friendship with Chigvintsev, particularly in the aftermath of his arrest, raised questions about the depth of their connection and the impact of unforeseen challenges on their relationship. The dynamics of their bond, forged through shared experiences on and off the dance floor, faced a significant test in light of the recent events. Burke’s struggle to reconcile her personal feelings with the gravity of the situation underscored the complexities of navigating friendships amidst difficult circumstances.
As Burke processed the news of Chigvintsev’s arrest and grappled with its implications, she reaffirmed her commitment to supporting those affected by domestic violence. Her emotional response to the situation highlighted the need for compassion, awareness, and empathy in addressing sensitive issues such as domestic violence. Moving forward, Burke’s words served as a reminder of the importance of standing in solidarity with survivors and advocating for solutions that promote safety and healing in communities.