The TMZ Podcast
Maksim Chmerkovskiy says he will wait before defaming Artem Chigvintsev for his domestic violence arrest… saying his alleged actions are not consistent with those of the man he knows — though he will hold him accountable if they are true.
The “Dancing with the Stars” pro sat down for a chat on “The TMZ Podcast” … and we had to ask him all about his friend and former co-star — and he says he texted him after he heard about the arrest.
MC says the Artem he knows would never abuse a woman… but he also texted Artem and said if he ever hit his wife Nikki Bellaso he needed to accept responsibility for his actions.
Maksim says he can picture all sorts of scenarios in his head… but he wasn’t there — and he doesn’t want to make any snap judgments.
Chmerkovskiy adds that he’s also close to Nikki… and wishes her the best during the couple’s marriage. difficult divorce.
As for whether we’ll see Artem back on ‘DWTS’… Maksim gives an interesting answer — saying he should come back if it’s just a matter of skill, but sounding less certain whether the allegations against Artem are true.
We broke the story… Chigvintsev was arrested in late August after he called paramedics to seek medical assistance for the person he allegedly hit. He called the ambulance minutes later, but police showed up and arrested him.
He was charged with aggravated battery on a spouse or domestic partner. Nikki filed for divorce the following week… and asked legal and physical custody of the four year old son Matthew.
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Artem and Nikki were seen together for the first time since his arrest earlier this week… with NB keeping his distance from his ex-husband.
It seems that Artem still has friends on his side… but Maksim is not yet ready to completely ignore the situation.
For all this and more, listen to our interview with Maksim on “The TMZ Podcast,” out Tuesday.