Sutherland Tells Court Uber Driver Refused to Stop Car
The actor argues he was defending himself during a midnight dispute in Hollywood, while the driver cites head and neck injuries.
By Liam O'Connor ·
Kiefer Sutherland is asking a Los Angeles judge to dismiss a civil lawsuit filed against him by an Uber driver. The actor argues he acted in self-defense during a physical altercation on January 16, a dispute that resulted in his arrest and a 48-day jail stint following a separate 2007 charge.
In court documents reviewed this week, Sutherland’s legal team asserts that driver Rafael Manvelyan refused to stop the vehicle when asked. The 59-year-old star claims he felt threatened during the midnight ride in the Hollywood area. His attorneys are challenging the severity of the injuries Manvelyan reported, which include damage to his head, neck, face, and cervical spine.
The driver counters that Sutherland was visibly intoxicated at the time of the incident. Manvelyan alleges the actor made death threats and filed a complaint claiming the entire event was captured on video. He is seeking financial compensation for the damages he sustained during the fight.
The civil suit was filed in January shortly after police detained the actor. A criminal investigation remains active, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office stating on Friday that a potential case is under review. Law enforcement officials previously asked prosecutors to examine the incident further, but the LAPD has not confirmed the status of their inquiry.
Sutherland’s legal record includes four prior DUI arrests. His most recent run with the law ended when he pleaded no contest to a 2007 charge, leading to his extended jail stay. The current lawsuit adds a civil layer to that earlier criminal matter.
