As Dancing With the Stars (DWTS) enters the final stretch of Season 33, with only a few couples left in the competition, fans are already buzzing with anticipation about who will join the upcoming Season 34. With the long-running dance competition celebrating its milestone 500th episode this week, a slew of fan-favorite professionals made an appearance. Among them was Artem Chigvintsev, a beloved pro who had previously been absent from the series due to personal and legal issues. His brief return to the ballroom, albeit as a spectator, has sparked speculation about his future on the show.
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Chigvintsev, who has been a fixture on DWTS for years, made headlines in August when he was arrested on charges of domestic violence involving his wife, Nikki Garcia. This shocking incident occurred just a few weeks before the start of Season 33, and it led to Chigvintsev’s absence from the current season. His legal troubles have taken center stage ever since, culminating in a divorce filing by Garcia shortly after the altercation. Despite the turmoil, Chigvintsev’s appearance on the show’s 500th episode raised eyebrows and left many wondering about his future with the competition.
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Legal Trouble and the DWTS Exit
In the wake of his arrest, Artem Chigvintsev found himself at the center of a public controversy. Allegations of domestic violence were levied against the dancer, who was accused by his wife of physically attacking her during an argument. The accusation was serious enough to result in Garcia filing for divorce two weeks after the incident. The dancer’s sudden absence from DWTS Season 33 sparked speculation, with many questioning whether he would ever return to the show.
However, while Chigvintsev has not participated in the competition this season, his ties to the show remain strong. He appeared at the 500th episode celebration alongside fellow former pro Peta Murgatroyd, who shared a photo of the two of them on her Instagram Story. Although Chigvintsev was not part of the on-stage festivities—such as the opening number featuring former pro Sharna Burgess—he was invited to the audience by DWTS producers, which hinted that there might still be room for his return.
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What’s Next for Artem Chigvintsev?
In an interview with TMZ, Chigvintsev’s lawyer, Ilona Antonyan, shared an update about the dancer’s future with DWTS. Antonyan revealed that while the producers had not reached out to Chigvintsev about returning for Season 34 yet, the dancer is “open” to the possibility and would “love” to come back if the opportunity arises. This sentiment signals that, despite the personal challenges Chigvintsev is facing, his passion for dance and his relationship with the DWTS team may still allow for a future collaboration.
Antonyan also added that Chigvintsev remains on “great terms” with the show’s producers. This is a notable point, as DWTS has been known for its tight-knit community of dancers and crew. Even though Chigvintsev was not invited to participate in the show’s opening number, an executive producer personally invited him to attend the milestone episode, signaling that he is still valued by the show’s team.
In the meantime, Chigvintsev is working in construction, a field he has ventured into during his time away from dancing. Despite this career shift, his attorney made it clear that “dancing will always be Artem’s true passion,” and he hopes to return to the art form that brought him fame. Whether that will involve DWTS or other opportunities remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that Chigvintsev’s love for dance has not diminished.
Court Date and Divorce Drama
While Chigvintsev’s professional future may remain uncertain, the legal proceedings surrounding his personal life are progressing. On October 31, new legal documents revealed that Chigvintsev denied the allegations made by Garcia in her divorce filing. Garcia had claimed that Chigvintsev tackled her and pinned her to the ground during an argument. However, Chigvintsev’s response to the court denied these claims and stated that he was not the aggressor in the altercation.
A court date for the divorce proceedings has been scheduled for December 6, which could bring more clarity to the situation. Depending on the outcome of the case, Chigvintsev’s personal and professional life could be significantly impacted, as many are watching closely to see how the legal drama unfolds. His reputation, career prospects, and future with DWTS could hinge on the result of these proceedings.
The Road to Season 34
Looking ahead, the cast for Season 34 of Dancing With the Stars is still largely up in the air. The show traditionally keeps its cast secret until just a few weeks before the season premiere, meaning that the pros often do not know whether they will return until right before the season begins. This has led to speculation about who will be part of the new season, especially considering the ongoing legal issues surrounding some of the pros.
In Chigvintsev’s case, there’s still no official word on whether he will be invited back for the upcoming season. As of now, it’s unclear how the legal drama surrounding him will play into the decision-making process for producers. In the past, DWTS has had to make tough decisions about which dancers and celebrities to include, and the show’s producers may take into account the dancer’s legal situation when making their final decisions.
That said, DWTS has also shown a tendency to forgive and bring back former stars who have faced personal or professional turmoil. If Chigvintsev can resolve his legal issues and maintain his relationship with the show’s producers, there’s a good chance he could return to the ballroom.
Fans’ Hopes and Future Speculations
As the DWTS Season 33 semi-finals approach, many fans are eagerly awaiting the conclusion of this season’s competition. The semi-finals are scheduled to air on November 19, with the finals taking place the following week. For fans of Chigvintsev, however, the excitement of the current season is overshadowed by curiosity about his future with the show.
Given his longstanding popularity with DWTS fans and his undeniable talent as a dancer, it’s likely that many will be rooting for Chigvintsev’s return in the future. However, as his legal troubles continue to unfold, it’s important to remember that the outcome of the court case and his ongoing relationship with the DWTS team will play a significant role in determining whether he will grace the ballroom floor once again.
In the meantime, Chigvintsev remains a beloved figure in the DWTS universe, and his fans continue to support him through the challenging period. Whether or not he returns for Season 34, one thing is for certain: Artem Chigvintsev’s journey in the world of dance is far from over, and DWTS fans will be keeping a close eye on what comes next.
