- Wednesday, June 25, 2025
A fan convention in Puyallup turned controversial when Cobra Kai actor Martin Kove allegedly bit co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim during a VIP meet-and-greet. The shocking incident prompted police involvement and raised questions about celebrity conduct at fan events.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
A fan convention in Puyallup, Washington, turned controversial over the weekend when Martin Kove, best known for his roles in The Karate Kid and Netflix’s Cobra Kai, was reportedly ejected after allegedly biting his co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim during a VIP meet-and-greet. According to the Puyallup Police Department, the incident occurred on Sunday, June 22, at the Summer Con event where both actors were scheduled to interact with fans.
Details of the Alleged Assault
The police report states that Alicia Hannah-Kim, 37, approached Kove, 78, to greet him by tapping him on the shoulder. In response, Kove allegedly grabbed her arm and bit her upper arm with such force that it nearly drew blood. Hannah-Kim cried out in pain, prompting Kove to grab her arm again and kiss the area he had bitten. The bite reportedly left a visible mark and some bruising.
Immediate Aftermath and Confrontation
After the incident, Hannah-Kim recounted what happened to her husband, actor Sebastian Roché, who was present at the event. The couple confronted Kove about his actions, but reports indicate that Kove became visibly angry and “exploded on them,” questioning how they could confront him over the matter. Hannah-Kim and her husband then sought help from a police officer at the convention to defuse the situation.
Kove’s Response and Police Action
When questioned by the officer, Kove claimed that he was only trying to be “funny” and that he and Hannah-Kim often engaged in playful banter on the set of Cobra Kai. However, Hannah-Kim insisted that the act was unprovoked and inappropriate, stating in her police statement that Kove’s behavior was “completely unacceptable”. Although she chose not to press charges, Hannah-Kim requested that a formal report be filed “in case this escalates”.
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Kove was subsequently escorted out of the venue by event security and police, with authorities advising him not to repeat such behavior in the future. Representatives for both actors and Netflix have not yet issued public statements regarding the incident.
Reactions and Context
The incident has left fans and attendees stunned, especially given the high profile of both actors in the Cobra Kai series. Kove, who plays the notorious John Kreese, and Hannah-Kim, who portrays Kim Da-Eun, have both been prominent figures in the show’s recent seasons.
The episode at Summer Con has sparked conversations about boundaries and appropriate conduct at fan events, as well as the responsibilities of celebrities during public appearances.
While the police described the injury as minor, the visible bite mark and bruising have raised concerns about physical boundaries and safety at such gatherings. As of now, no charges have been filed, but the situation remains under scrutiny, with many awaiting further comment from those involved.
