A new lawsuit has placed Kiefer Sutherland at the center of serious allegations months after his January arrest in Los Angeles.
An Uber driver claims the actor became violent during a late-night ride, leaving him injured and fearing for his safety.
The legal filing paints a troubling picture of an encounter that allegedly escalated from confusion and frustration into threats, physical violence, and police involvement.
According to court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Uber driver Rafael Manvelyan has filed a lawsuit against Sutherland, accusing him of assault and battery following an incident that allegedly occurred on January 12.
The actor, best known for his role as Jack Bauer in the hit series “24,” was detained by police that same day on suspicion of making criminal threats.
The lawsuit claims Sutherland entered Manvelyan’s vehicle near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue before the situation deteriorated during the ride.
Manvelyan alleges that he suffered injuries to his head, face, neck, spine, and shoulder as a result of the confrontation.
He is seeking damages for the physical and emotional harm he claims to have experienced.
Driver Details Disturbing Encounter
The lawsuit contains a series of allegations describing Kiefer Sutherland’s behavior before and during the ride.
According to Manvelyan, the actor appeared “visibly intoxicated” when he entered the vehicle and allegedly needed assistance from another person to get inside.
The driver, whose primary languages are Russian and Armenian, claims communication difficulties quickly created tension between them. Court documents allege Sutherland became “agitated” when he struggled to understand him.
The filing further states that Sutherland allegedly grew “increasingly hostile, aggressive, confrontational” during the trip while “yelling and being verbally abusive.”
Claims Of Physical Violence And Death Threats
Manvelyan claims the confrontation became physical while he was still behind the wheel. According to the lawsuit, Sutherland allegedly “intentionally attacked” him and “repeatedly struck” him in the “head, face, neck and upper body with closed fists.”
The lawsuit also alleges that the actor placed the driver in a “chokehold” and made threats against his life.
After exiting the vehicle, Manvelyan claims Sutherland followed him down the street while yelling, “I’m going to kill you.”
The driver further alleges that his dashcam captured portions of the incident and that witnesses were present during at least part of the confrontation.
He also claims officers who arrived at the scene observed bruising and swelling on his forehead.
Kiefer Sutherland’s Accuser Speaks Through Attorney
While Manvelyan has not spoken publicly about the allegations himself, his attorney, Mitra Sabouri, issued a statement explaining why the lawsuit was filed.
Sabouri told the Daily Mail, “Mr. Manvelyan 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.”
She also addressed the existence of alleged video evidence, saying, “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.”
The attorney’s comments suggest that any footage or additional evidence connected to the case may emerge through legal proceedings rather than through the media.
As of now, the allegations remain claims made in a civil lawsuit and have not been proven in court.
Kiefer Sutherland’s Past Legal Troubles Return To The Spotlight
The lawsuit has renewed attention on several previous legal incidents involving Sutherland.
In 2007, the actor pleaded no contest to driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test. Because he had already been convicted of DUI in 2004, he was sentenced to 48 days in jail.
Two years later, Sutherland was arrested after an altercation involving fashion designer Jack McCollough following a fundraising event at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Those charges were eventually dropped after the actor publicly apologized.
His history with alcohol has also been a topic he previously addressed himself.
Speaking to PEOPLE in 2016, Sutherland reflected on his relationship with drinking and the consequences that sometimes followed.
“I was never the guy, if something was wrong in my life or something wasn’t right, I didn’t go drown my sorrows,” he said.
The actor continued, “One of the things I love to do is go out with my friends and tell stories and have a bunch of drinks…”
He later offered an even more candid assessment of his past experiences.
“I can also look back on my life and tell you very squarely that the only bad things that have ever happened to me in my life have been because I like to go to bars and have drinks with my friends,” Sutherland said.
He added, “I would be lying if I told you that there weren’t moments where I felt I let it get away from me.”
