British-Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland is facing a lawsuit from an Uber driver over an alleged incident in Los Angeles that reportedly led to the actor’s arrest. However, Sutherland’s lawyer has strongly denied the allegations.
According to court documents cited by TMZ, the driver, Rafael Manvelyan, claimed he picked up the actor on January 12 and alleged that Sutherland appeared intoxicated at the time.
Manvelyan, who said he mainly speaks Russian and Armenian, alleged that communication difficulties during the journey led to tension, with the actor becoming frustrated as they struggled to understand each other.
According to the lawsuit, Kiefer Sutherland became increasingly aggressive during the journey. The driver alleged that the actor shouted at him and behaved in a threatening manner.
The driver claimed Sutherland threatened to kill him and assaulted him while he was behind the wheel. He alleged that the actor repeatedly punched him in the head, face, neck and upper body.
The driver, identified as Rafael, further alleged that Sutherland put him in a chokehold and continued making death threats. He said he managed to escape from the vehicle and run away, but claimed the actor chased him down the street while allegedly shouting, “I’m going to kill you.”
Meanwhile, according to Sutherland’s lawyer, Andrew Brettler, he said Kiefer was involved in a troubling incident six months ago while travelling in an Uber.
He claimed the driver ignored repeated requests to stop the vehicle.
Brettler said the driver declined medical treatment at the scene. He further alleged that the driver later exaggerated claims of injury and emotional distress.
According to the lawyer, the compensation demand increased after the driver and his legal team became aware of Sutherland’s celebrity status.
The lawyer said:
“Kiefer intends to fight this suit since he has absolutely no interest in rewarding someone who has crafted a distorted account in pursuit of a massive payday.”
