DWTSEzra Sosa Promoted to Pro for Season 33 After Confirmation That Artem Chigvintsev Is Not Returning Following Arrest

Mar. 15, 2025

Ezra Sosa and Artem Chigvintsev.Photo:Maarten de Boer/ABC via Getty; David Livingston/Getty

Maarten de Boer/ABC via Getty; David Livingston/Getty

Ezra Sosahas been promoted to a pro dancer onDancing with the Stars.

Formerly a troupe member on the series, Sosa announced on Tuesday, Sept. 3, that he was promoted to pro forseason 33.The 23-year-old dancer is the first Latin dance pro to be featured on the reality dancing competition in over a decade.

“It hasn’t hit me yet! When I got the call, I honestly was in a state of shock from the news,” Sosa exclusively toldGLAADon Tuesday. “But I think the moment I do meet my [celebrity] partner and the moment I step in the ballroom, that’s when I’ll be like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is actually happening right now!’ ”

Sosa and the other professional dancers’ celebrity partners will be revealed on Wednesday, Sept. 4, onGood Morning America. ABC previously announced on Thursday, Aug. 22, that Olympic bronze medalistStephen Nedoroscikwill beone of the celebrity contestants.

Ezra Sosa and Charity Lawson in ‘Dancing with the Stars’ season 32 episode 2.Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty

Christopher Willard/ABC via Getty

Sosa first joined theDWTStroupe in 2021, and in aDWTSInstagram video shared Tuesday, he thanked everyone who supported him on his journey over the past three years.

“It has been three years in the making. To say the least, I’m shocked. Most importantly, I’m just honored and grateful and thanks to literally every single person that has supported me to get here. This first season isn’t just going to be for me, it’s going to be for all of you too,” he said.

Sosa’s promotion follows the recentarrestofDWTSproArtem Chigvintsev, who was accused of corporal injury to a spouse in Napa, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 29.

PEOPLE learned that day thatthere were no plans for Chigvintsev, 42, to take part in season 33of the seriesbefore his arrest.

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Although the booking code indicates Chigvintsev’s charge was for corporal injury to a spouse, Chigvintsev’s wifeNikki Garcia(formerly Nikki Bella) is presumably the spouse in question, but it has not yet been confirmed. On Sunday, Sept. 1,TMZpublished audio of the Aug. 29 911 call, in which a dispatcher stated thatthe dancer alleged that Garcia, 40, had thrown shoes at him.

A rep for Garcia previously told PEOPLE, “This is a private matter and Nikki asks for privacy for her and her family at this time.”

A rep for Chigvintsev has not responded to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Artem Chigvintsev and Charity Lawson in “Dancing with the Stars” season 32 episode 5.Disney/Christopher Willard

Disney/Christopher Willard

Season 33 ofDancing with the Starswill premiere Tuesday, Sept. 17, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+, with the episode available to stream the next day on Hulu.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go tothehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

source: people.com