PM Modi demands stricter action against crimes against women, emphasizing that safety and swift justice are top priorities during recent remarks
Trigger Warning: This article includes references to domestic violence
Artem Chigvintsev, a well-known dancer from Dancing With the Stars, was recently arrested in Napa Valley. Following this news, his co-star and someone who considers him a family, Cheryl Burke, expressed that she is in shock.
Opening up about it on the latest episode of her Sex, Lies and Spray Tans podcast, Burke began to explain her state just hours after Chigvintsev’s arrest. Burke revealed that she and Chigvintsev lived and grew up together in her family home situated in the San Francisco Bay Area.
“I hesitate to smile right now because of the current news… which I am in complete shock about,” Burke said while talking during the episode that was recorded on Thursday.
Burke further described that she feels very emotional hearing the news of Chigvintsev’s arrest and also because domestic violence is being alleged in reports. “I’m not going to say that he was charged with [that] but allegedly, domestic violence was the issue,” Burke continued.
The former DWTS fame also noted the hefty amount of $25,000 that Chigvintsev had to pay for the bail. During her podcast, Burke then went on to add that it is really hard for her to accept the fact that Artem Chigvintsev has been arrested in a case of domestic violence. She hoped that everybody is doing fine who is involved in the related incident.
“Domestic violence is serious,” Burke asserted, also stating that Chigvintsev’s 4-year-old son Matteo and his wife Nikki Garcia are both ok.
Further explaining her state of shock, Burke went on to add that Artem and domestic violence don’t really go with each other.
Artem Chigvintsev was arrested and charged with felony corporal injury to a spouse or cohabitant on August 28. While the victim has not been named yet, reports suggest that it could be Chigvintsev’s wife, Garcia, a former wrestler.
As per reports by TMZ, Chigvintsev had himself called 911 around 8:30 am for a medical emergency. But then he called back and asked the emergency service not to come.
The police, however, still responded to the call and visited the location, his home in Napa Valley, on Thursday morning.
Following their visit, they arrested Chigvintsev after observing injuries on the alleged undisclosed victim. Burke and Chigvintsev have competed against each other in the dancing competition for around seven times and have maintained their friendship even after Burke officially retired in 2022.
Common Disclaimer: If you need support or know someone who is struggling with domestic violence or assault or abuse, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist, NGO or speak to someone about it. There are several helplines available for the same.
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Producer Ravi Shankar of Mythri Movie Makers has reacted to the recent controversy regarding actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan, who had raised questions about lead actors playing smugglers in films. He clarified Pawan’s remarks and said that his comments were taken out of context.
Ravi Shankar said, “Pawan Kalyan Garu was speaking in a different context. We assume that people thought he was referring to this movie. His stature is on another level, and he wouldn’t say anything that negatively affects the film industry. He said something in the flow, but it has no connection with Pushpa 2.”
The producer’s reaction came following Pawan Kalyan’s comments earlier this month. During a recent press interaction over his collaboration with the Forest Minister of Karnataka, he addressed changes in the portrayal of heroes on celluloid and shared how they are now reflected, similar to smugglers who cut away forests instead of preserving them.
According to the Hindustan Times, Pawan Kalyan said, “Around 40 years ago, a hero was someone who safeguards the forest. And now, the hero is someone who cuts away at the forest and is a smuggler.” The actor-politician added that he struggles to understand current cinema, which he is also a part of, because he feels, “Are we sending the right message?”
His remarks went viral on social media, with some netizens thinking it was a dig at Allu Arjun and Sukumar’s Pushpa franchise.
Coming back to one of the much-awaited films of this year, Pushpa 2: The Rule, it is slated for its release on December 6. At the same event, the producer Ravi Shankar addressed a question regarding the Allu Arjun starrer.
For those unaware, the Sukumar directorial faced scrutiny when rumors of discord between Allu Arjun and the film’s director, Sukumar, surfaced. Additionally, reports were suggesting that the release might be postponed due to these issues.
However, Ravi Shankar refuted these claims and assured fans that the movie has turned out extraordinary and the remaining work will be completed by September.
He said, “Pushpa 2 has come out extraordinarily…by September we’ll finish up the second half work of the film. By November, we’ll send it around to theaters and confirm to hit screens on December 6.” (loose translation) The upcoming sequel will also star Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil, who will reprise their respective roles.
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