Kiefer Sutherland breaks silence on uber driver lawsuit

Kiefer Sutherland has hit back at explosive allegations that he choked an Uber driver and threatened to kill him.

The 59-year-old actor insisted that he will vigorously fight what he calls a “distorted account” of the incident.

The 24 star is facing a lawsuit from Uber driver Rafael Manvelyan following an alleged altercation in Hollywood earlier this year. 

While the claims have sparked headlines, Sutherland is adamant that the story being told in court papers is far from the truth.

According to a statement from the actor’s spokesperson, the drama began when Designated Survivor actor repeatedly asked the driver to stop the vehicle, but his requests were allegedly ignored.

The spokesperson claimed, “Kiefer has become the victim of consistent attempts to embellish and exaggerate claims of distress and injury while demanding millions of dollars in compensation after learning of Kiefer’s celebrity.”

The statement added that he has “absolutely no interest” in paying someone who has allegedly crafted a misleading version of events in pursuit of a huge financial settlement.

However, Rafael’s lawsuit paints a very different picture. 

Court documents reportedly allege that Sutherland was “visibly intoxicated” when he entered the vehicle and became increasingly angry because of communication difficulties.

The driver claims the Hollywood star struck him multiple times with closed fists while he was driving before allegedly placing him in a chokehold and threatening his life. 

Rafael further alleges he fled the vehicle and ran down the street, with Sutherland following him while shouting threats.

The lawsuit also claims the driver suffered injuries to his head, face, neck, shoulder and spine. Rafael says parts of the incident were captured on dashcam footage and witnessed by others.

His lawyer, Mitra Sabouri, said her client is seeking justice through the courts and that evidence will be addressed during the legal process.

The Stand by Me actor has denied wrongdoing, setting the stage for what could become a bitter courtroom battle.

RELATED: Kiefer Sutherland faces shock assault lawsuit after uber incident