24 Hours star denies charges of beating and threatening to kill taxi driver

American actor Kiefer Sutherland, known for the TV series “24 hours”, denied accusations of assault on Uber driver Rafael Manvelyan. The man claims that the 59-year-old actor, who was intoxicated, threatened him with murder and used physical force during the trip. According to the plaintiff, Sutherland hit him on the head several times and tried to strangle him, causing bodily harm and emotional suffering.

In court documents, the actor categorically denies the circumstances stated by the driver and insists that his actions were dictated by the need to protect himself. Representatives of Sutherland claim that the artist acted within the limits of permissible self-defense, and the responsibility for what happened lies on the other side of the conflict. At the same time, both parties demanded consideration of the case with the participation of the jury, who will determine the circumstances of the incident.

Sutherland gained worldwide fame thanks to the role of agent Jack Bauer in the TV series 24 Hours, for which he received Emmy and Golden Globe Awards. Previously, the actor has repeatedly found himself in the center of scandals related to the use of alcohol and violation of public order. The current litigation may have financial consequences for him, but the amount of possible compensation and the timing of the case have not yet been determined.