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Kiefer Sutherland Faces Lawsuit for Threatening to Kill Uber Driver During Drunken Outburst
Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland has been sued by an Uber driver who alleges he was threatened and assaulted during a ride earlier this year.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the driver, Rafael Manvelyan, 24, claims the incident occurred on January 12 when he picked up the actor.
He stated that the actor, who he claims speaks limited English and is more fluent in Russian and Armenian, became “hostile, aggressive, and confrontational” during the trip.
In the lawsuit, the driver alleged that Sutherland verbally abused him and later physically attacked him while he was driving.
He further claimed that the actor repeatedly struck him “with closed fists” on the head, face, neck, and upper body, and later placed him in a chokehold while threatening to k!ll him.
According to Manvelyan, he managed to escape the vehicle and ran away, but the actor allegedly chased him while shouting, “I’m going to k!ll you.”
The driver also stated that his dashcam captured parts of the alleged assault, and that witnesses observed portions of the incident.
Following the confrontation, Manvelyan reported injuries to his head, face, neck, spine, and shoulder. Responding officers reportedly observed visible bruising and swelling on his forehead.
His attorney, Mitra Sabouri, told TMZ:
“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.
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 driver is suing for assault, battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligence, and is seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
