Cobra Kai Clash: Alicia Hannah-Kim Claims Martin Kove Bit Her at C2E2
Here’s your daily dose of “anything can happen when grown-ups gather around action figures”: Cobra Kai actress Alicia Hannah-Kim alleges that franchise veteran Martin Kove assaulted and even bit her during a fan convention in Chicago. According to a complaint filed with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, Hannah-Kim says the 79-year-old Kove crossed the line at the C2E2 expo on March 2, 2024, turning what should’ve been a routine autograph session into an unwelcome contact sport.
In a statement obtained by People, Hannah-Kim described the moment as “startling and unprovoked,” saying she felt a sharp pinch on her forearm before realizing she’d been bitten. Sure, what’s a fan fest without an impromptu dental exam? Video footage shared with TMZ appears to show Kove moving past a plexiglass barrier and making contact, though the bite itself is harder to spot on camera. Legal experts tell Page Six that if intent to injure is proven, Kove could face misdemeanor battery charges in Illinois.
Kove’s camp, for its part, insists the whole thing is a misunderstanding. His attorney told The Independent, “Mr. Kove did not bite Ms. Hannah-Kim nor did he intend to harm her,” adding that the actor expects the complaint to be dismissed once security footage is reviewed. That security team reportedly arrived moments after the incident, but apparently not soon enough to prevent a scene straight out of a low-budget sitcom.
Let’s not forget context: Hannah-Kim, 34, rose to fame playing Moon in Cobra Kai’s third season, while Kove’s John Kreese has been instructing young karate kids to “sweep the leg” since the 1980s. It’s poetic, really—decades apart yet somehow on the same hit list of alleged bad decisions. A source close to the production told Variety that morale on set has remained “surprisingly unaffected,” which, given the circumstances, is either impressive or borderline delusional.
Chicago police are reportedly reviewing the complaint and video evidence before deciding whether to bring charges. Meanwhile, fan reactions range from shock to “well, I guess he takes method acting really seriously.” Twitter’s already gold with memes of Kreese sinking his teeth into unsuspecting victims. Because if there’s one thing pop culture needed, it’s more bite-sized drama.
In true deadpan fashion, let’s acknowledge that adulthood apparently means encountering your co-stars under fluorescent convention hall lights, only to be reminded that celebrity can still get messy. Tune in next time when we uncover more baffling celeb shenanigans and question why we’re still surprised. Well, there you have it. Humanity at its finest. Tune in next time for more bad decisions and questionable life choices.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, TMZ, Page Six, The Independent, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
