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The former Strictly dancer will not face domestic violence charges

Professional dancer Artem Chigvintsev will not face domestic violence charges after being arrested in California, US authorities said.

The former Strictly Come Dancing star was he was booked into the Napa County Jail in July.

The 42-year-old Russian dancer joined the eighth series of Strictly in 2010, winning that year with fellow celebrity Kara Tointon, who he dated for several years after the show.

The District Attorney of Napa County, Allison Haley, said that after “a thorough review of the criminal investigation and a careful examination of the evidence”, charges will not be brought against Chigvintsev.

“While we take all arrests seriously and take a strong stand against domestic violence, we have a legal obligation to prosecute only when supported by evidence,” Ms. Haley said in a statement.

“We have to prove any criminal charges ‘beyond a reasonable doubt’ which is the highest standard in the American criminal justice system.

“If the evidence does not reach this level of evidence, we will not be able to charge appropriately.”

Haley noted that the district attorney’s office “may revisit the case if it learns of additional incidents or discovers previously unknown facts or evidence.”

Online jail records say Chigvintsev was arrested under California penal code section 273.5(a) – injury to spouse.

This category covers serious injury to a current or former spouse, cohabitant or co-parent through an act of domestic violence.

The offense can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, the latter of which carries a four-year prison sentence.

The star posted a $25,000 (£19,000) bond and was reportedly released later on Thursday afternoon.

It is not clear whether Chigvintsev’s wife is somehow involved.

Since 2014 Chigvintsev has been a regular on Dancing With The Stars, the US version of Strictly.

In 2017 he partnered with his future wife – WWE star Nikki Bella.

The couple have a son, who was born in 2020 just hours before Nikki’s twin Brie Bella announced the arrival of her second child.

The siblings played a game for E! the Total Bellas reality show for five years.


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