Kiefer Sutherland Seeks Dismissal of Uber Driver’s Lawsuit

In a response filed November 10, Sutherland denied “each and every allegation” of assault, battery, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He argued that the claims were filed after the applicable statute of limitations and should not proceed. He also disputed that Manvelyan suffered injuries or financial losses because of him, and said any psychological distress could have had other causes.

Sutherland accused Manvelyan of bringing the suit in “bad faith” to harass him. His filing says he reasonably believed the driver posed an “imminent threat” of physical harm and that any force he used was reasonable and necessary. The filing does not establish that Manvelyan threatened him; the two sides continue to give conflicting accounts.

Manvelyan’s lawsuit follows Sutherland’s arrest on January 12. The driver alleged that, during an Uber ride in Los Angeles, Sutherland threatened to kill him, hit him repeatedly and put him in a chokehold. He also claimed the actor followed him after he escaped the vehicle. Manvelyan has alleged physical injuries, anxiety, nightmares, sleep problems, medical expenses and lost earnings.

In June, Sutherland’s attorney Andrew Brettler told TMZ that the driver had refused to stop the vehicle despite the actor’s repeated requests. Brettler called the encounter frightening and accused Manvelyan of exaggerating his injuries while seeking millions of dollars. Manvelyan’s attorney, Mitra Sabouri, rejected the suggestion that her client was seeking publicity and said he filed to pursue legal remedies for his alleged injuries.

Sutherland was released after posting $50,000 bond. In February, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said the criminal matter had been returned to police for further investigation and that no charges had been filed at that stage, according to ABC News. Sutherland is reportedly seeking dismissal with prejudice, which would bar the same claims from being brought again.