Kiefer Sutherland Faces Assault Lawsuit Following Alleged Uber Dispute

Uber driver Rafael Manvelyan has filed a lawsuit against actor Kiefer Sutherland, alleging a violent confrontation occurred during a ride in Los Angeles on January 12. The complaint includes claims of physical assault, death threats, and injuries that allegedly required police intervention and led to the actor’s arrest that same day.

According to the court filing, the incident began near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Manvelyan claims the actor appeared visibly intoxicated upon entering the vehicle and grew increasingly hostile when language barriers hindered their communication. The driver alleges that the situation escalated into a physical attack, with Sutherland reportedly striking him in the head, face, and neck with closed fists before placing him in a chokehold.

Manvelyan further asserts that the actor continued the confrontation after exiting the vehicle, allegedly pursuing him while shouting, “I’m going to kill you.” The lawsuit notes that the driver sustained injuries to his spine, shoulder, and head, which responding officers allegedly documented as visible bruising and swelling. Attorney Mitra Sabouri, representing Manvelyan, stated that while dashcam footage of the encounter exists, they intend to present all evidence exclusively through the court process to maintain the driver's privacy.

This civil action follows a history of legal challenges for Sutherland, including a 2007 DUI conviction and a 2009 arrest involving a fashion designer in New York. While the actor has previously acknowledged struggles with alcohol and the negative consequences of his nightlife habits in interviews, these new allegations remain unproven claims in a pending civil case.