Kiefer Sutherland is reportedly facing a lawsuit from an Uber driver who alleges the actor assaulted him during a ride in Los Angeles earlier this year.
According to court filings obtained by TMZ, Rafael Manvelyan has accused the actor of assault, battery, negligence, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, stemming from an incident that allegedly occurred on Jan. 12.
Manvelyan claims he picked up Sutherland while the actor was "visibly intoxicated" and that tensions escalated during the trip due to communication difficulties. The driver, who says he primarily speaks Russian and Armenian, alleges Sutherland became increasingly upset as the ride progressed.
The lawsuit alleges the actor grew "increasingly hostile, aggressive, confrontational" before allegedly threatening to kill the driver and physically attacking him while the vehicle was in motion.
According to the complaint, Manvelyan claims Sutherland repeatedly struck him with "closed fists" to the head, face, neck, and upper body. He further alleges the actor placed him in a chokehold during the altercation.
The driver says he eventually exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot, but alleges Sutherland followed him while shouting, "I'm going to kill you."
Manvelyan claims portions of the incident were captured by his vehicle's dashcam and says additional witnesses observed the confrontation.
The lawsuit states that he suffered injuries to his head, face, neck, shoulder, and spine. According to the filing, responding officers observed bruising and swelling on his forehead at the scene. Manvelyan is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
Attorney Mitra Sabouri, who represents Manvelyan, said in a statement that her client is “a private citizen who did not seek public attention.”
“He filed this action to pursue legal remedies for the injuries and damages he alleges he suffered," Sabouri continued.
She added, "Out of respect for his privacy, we are not releasing the dashcam footage, and we will allow the facts and evidence to be addressed through the court process."
Sutherland's attorney Andrew Brettler strongly disputed the allegations and characterized the lawsuit as an attempt to obtain a large financial settlement.
"Six months ago, Kiefer Sutherland was involved in a scary incident when he was the passenger in an Uber and the driver refused to stop the vehicle despite repeated requests to do so," Brettler said in a statement to TMZ.
Although the driver allegedly declined medical treatment at the scene, Brettler argued that the claims have grown more severe over time.
"Kiefer intends to fight this suit since he has absolutely no interest in rewarding someone who has crafted a distorted account in pursuit of a massive payday," the attorney added.
