The recently released bodycam footage captured a heated exchange between “Cobra Kai” actors Alicia Hannah-Kim and Martin Kove at a fan convention where Kove allegedly bit his co-star. The incident took place at the Washington State Summer Con in Puyallup, as shown in the video obtained by NBC News.
In the footage, Hannah-Kim is seen confronting Kove about the bite, with the police officer explaining to Kove that such actions constitute assault. Kove, 78, attempted to justify his behavior by claiming it was playful, but Hannah-Kim was visibly upset, pointing out the mark on her body left by the bite.
The Korean-Australian actress expressed her anger towards Kove, emphasizing that such behavior was unacceptable and not how they play together. She questioned Kove’s upbringing and scolded him for his actions, stating that she was “really pissed” about the incident.
Hannah-Kim further criticized Kove for getting angry when she confronted him about the bite, highlighting his inappropriate response to the situation. Despite Kove’s apologies and explanation that he was indulging in improper behavior, Hannah-Kim insisted on documenting the incident for future reference.
The police officer documented the bite mark and Hannah-Kim requested that it be on Kove’s record to prevent such incidents from happening again. Although Hannah-Kim did not press charges, she wanted the incident documented as a precaution.
According to an informational police report obtained by People, the alleged attack occurred when Hannah-Kim tapped Kove on the shoulder to greet him, and he unexpectedly bit her arm. She claimed that Kove nearly drew blood with the bite and proceeded to kiss the area where he bit her.
Hannah-Kim’s husband, Sebastian Roche, reportedly witnessed the incident and supported her account of what transpired. Kove allegedly denied any wrongdoing when confronted by the couple and became defensive before being escorted out of the event.
In a public statement obtained by TMZ, Kove expressed deep regret for his actions and apologized to Hannah-Kim for the incident. He acknowledged his mistake in crossing boundaries and assured that he would learn from the experience.
Kove is best known for his role as John Kreese in “The Karate Kid” franchise and his reprisal of the character in the “Cobra Kai” series. Despite the controversy surrounding the incident, Kove remains committed to acknowledging his error and ensuring that such behavior does not happen again.
Overall, the incident between Hannah-Kim and Kove has brought attention to the importance of boundaries and respect in professional settings, highlighting the need for clear communication and accountability in all interactions.