Actor denies driver’s claims after January rideshare dispute
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland is pushing back against a lawsuit accusing him of assaulting and threatening an Uber driver
– The driver claims Sutherland choked him, punched him, and threatened to kill him during a January incident
– Sutherland’s spokesperson says the driver has exaggerated the claims while seeking a major payout
Kiefer Sutherland is firing back after being accused of assaulting an Uber driver during a January rideshare dispute.
The 24 star was detained by Los Angeles police earlier this year after an incident involving Uber driver Rafael Manvelyan. The driver has now filed a civil lawsuit accusing Sutherland of assault and battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence.
Sutherland’s spokesperson told Us Weekly that the actor was involved in a frightening situation as a passenger after the driver allegedly refused repeated requests to stop the vehicle.
The spokesperson also said the driver declined medical attention at the scene. According to Sutherland’s side, the driver later tried to exaggerate the situation and demand millions in compensation after learning of the actor’s celebrity status.
Sutherland intends to fight the lawsuit. His team says he has no interest in rewarding what they describe as a distorted version of events.
Manvelyan’s lawsuit presents a very different account. He claims there was trouble communicating during the ride because he primarily speaks Russian and Armenian.
The complaint alleges that Sutherland became hostile during the trip, threatened to kill him, and later attacked him outside the vehicle. Manvelyan claims Sutherland punched him with closed fists and placed him in a choke hold.
The driver also alleges that after he escaped and ran away, Sutherland chased him while continuing to make threats. The lawsuit states that the Uber vehicle may have had dashcam footage that captured part of the incident.
Police responded near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue on January 12. A police statement at the time said officers investigated an assault involving a rideshare driver and identified Sutherland as the suspect.
Sutherland was later released after posting a $50,000 bond. The legal process is now moving forward through the civil case.
Manvelyan’s attorneys claim he suffered physical injuries and emotional trauma because of the alleged incident. His legal team says he has needed medical care and has experienced anxiety, nightmares, fear, and sleep problems.
Manvelyan’s attorney said they plan to present the evidence through the proper legal process and allow the court to handle the matter.
Sutherland’s side strongly disputes the driver’s claims and argues that the lawsuit is about money. The case now leaves both sides heading toward a legal fight over what happened during the January ride.
