On January 12, a rideshare driver accused Kiefer Sutherland of allegedly physically assaulting him and making criminal threats against him. The “24” actor was arrested and later released on bond. Months later, the case has escalated, with the driver, Rafael Manvelyan, filing a lawsuit against Sutherland. Sutherland has responded to the claims, denying all wrongdoing.
Kiefer Sutherland Responds to Lawsuit
Court documents show that Manvelyan filed a lawsuit on October 12, nine months after the alleged incident. He is “seeking damages for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence,” People reports. On Tuesday, November 10, Sutherland commented on the allegations, denying “each and every allegation” against him, the publication writes.
People reports that Sutherland has claimed Manvelyan’s claims fall outside the statute of limitations and psychological distress could be “attributable to preexisting or concurrent psychological conditions, unrelated stressors or other independent causes.” In addition, Sutherland alleged that Manvelyan “suffered no injury” or damages. Therefore, “any such damages are not the direct or proximate result of any act or omission of” Sutherland.
Manvelyan alleges that Sutherland “appeared visibly intoxicated” and, as the ride was underway, he “became increasingly hostile, aggressive, and confrontational.” The driver alleges that Sutherland threatened him with “serious bodily injury and death” and “intentionally attacked” him. Sutherland allegedly put Manvelyan in a “chokehold” and struck him in the “head, face, neck, and upper body with closed fists.”
Kiefer Sutherland’s Attorneys Say the Lawsuit Is in ‘Bad Faith’
Sutherland’s account of what took place is very different, and he has alleged that his actions were in self-defense. TMZ reported on the court documents, writing, “Kiefer’s attorneys also claim that any physical action he took was justified as self-defense under the belief that Rafael posed an immediate threat to him. His legal team previously claimed Rafael refused to stop the car.”
The outlet says that Sutherland’s lawyers argue that “the lawsuit is groundless and pursued in bad faith” and “Kiefer claims that he did not act with any malice.” The actor reportedly wants the complaint to be dismissed with prejudice, meaning the case would be closed and could not be filed again.
The Initial Arrest & Alleged Incident
Fox News Digital reports that the incident between Sutherland and Manvelyan took place on January 12 in Los Angeles. The call came through to dispatch around 12:15 a.m and the Los Angeles Police Department responded to the alleged assault. Sutherland was released on $50,000 bond.
“The investigation determined that the suspect, later identified as Kiefer Sutherland, entered a rideshare vehicle, physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats toward the victim,” the Los Angeles Police Department told Fox News Digital. “Officers arrested Sutherland at the scene for Criminal Threats.”
The police told the outlet that Manvelyan did not sustain injuries that required medical assistance. At the time of the report, on January 15, the investigation was still ongoing.
’24’ Star Kiefer Sutherland Reacts to Lawsuit Against Him After Alleged Assault Involving a Rideshare Driver