In a surprising turn of events this past weekend, Martin Kove, renowned for his role as sensei John Kreese in the hit series Cobra Kai, has publicly apologized to his co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim after an alarming incident at a fan convention. Kove's apology comes after he bit Hannah-Kim's arm during an encounter at the Summer Con held in Puyallup, Washington.
In a statement provided to TMZ through Jaffe & Co. Crisis Management, Kove expressed his deep regret and remorse regarding his actions. “I deeply regret and apologize for my actions regarding the incident with Alicia (Hannah-Kim), a genuinely kind and wonderful person who didn’t deserve to be put in this position,” Kove stated. He emphasized that he has always held Hannah-Kim in high regard, considering her a highly professional and talented co-worker on Cobra Kai.
Kove further elaborated on the incident, saying, “I was being playful in the moment but went too far and there is absolutely no excuse for my behavior. I regret my actions for which I take full responsibility, and again I apologize to her and her husband. I’m committed to learning from this and it will never happen again.”
The incident was detailed in an official report filed by a police officer from Puyallup, which was later obtained by The Hollywood Reporter. According to the report, the biting occurred when Hannah-Kim approached Kove and tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention. In a shocking response, Kove suddenly grabbed her arm and bit her upper arm with such force that it nearly drew blood, prompting Hannah-Kim to yell out in pain.
After the biting, Kove reportedly kissed her arm where he had bitten her, leaving a noticeable bite mark that was turning blue and bruising. The report highlighted the seriousness of the incident, noting that it was being investigated as an assault. Hannah-Kim, along with her husband Sebastian Roché, confronted Kove about his behavior, to which he reacted angrily, claiming that they had no right to confront him and insisting that he had done nothing wrong.
In the VIP area of the convention, the couple spoke with an officer present about the incident. During this interaction, Kove admitted to biting Hannah-Kim but maintained that he thought he was being humorous. The police report emphasized the gravity of Kove's actions, stating, “It was absolutely illegal and not only did he cross boundaries but he broke the law.” The officer confirmed that Kove could potentially face legal consequences for his unprovoked biting and kissing, including being booked into jail or receiving a citation.
This incident has raised significant concern among fans and the entertainment community alike, highlighting the importance of respecting personal boundaries, especially in public settings. As Kove reflects on his actions, it remains to be seen how this event will impact his career and relationships within the Cobra Kai franchise.
