Martin Kove, the actor famously known for playing the main villain in the original Karate Kid movie, is facing public scrutiny following an incident with one of his co-stars from the hit show Cobra Kai.
The altercation took place outside a convention in Puyallup, Washington, last month, and police body camera footage has revealed the tense confrontation.
The Biting Incident
On June 22, 2025, Kove was involved in a shocking incident at Summer Con, a popular fan event held at the Washington State Fair. Alicia Hannah-Kim, Kove’s co-star from Cobra Kai, confronted him after he allegedly bit her.
The police body camera footage from the scene shows a heated exchange between the two, with Hannah-Kim clearly upset by Kove’s behavior.
In the footage, she questions Kove’s actions, asking, “Sir, were you raised in a ditch? Is that how people treated you when you were a child?” She goes on to explain that she tried to talk to him privately, asking him to address the inappropriate biting, but Kove reportedly snapped at her in response.
Kove’s Response
When the police arrived at the scene, Kove admitted to the biting incident and apologized for it. He claimed that the bite was not intentional and that he had been playful, saying, “I was just playing because we’re very playful together, and I bit down too hard.”
Kove also mentioned that he tried to check on Hannah-Kim after the incident, but her husband intercepted him before he could speak with her. However, the police noted a visible bite mark on Hannah-Kim’s arm, which she showed to the officers.
Despite the severity of the incident, Hannah-Kim declined to press charges, stating that she only wanted the situation to be documented.
Allegations of Misconduct
This incident occurred amid a broader conversation about Kove’s behavior. A 2024 sexual harassment claim against him surfaced shortly after the biting incident. The claim involves an alleged interaction with a Cobra Kai extra, where Kove is accused of leering at the actress and making inappropriate comments.
Kove, however, has denied all allegations of misconduct, both physical and emotional. In a statement, he emphasized his transparency with the production company, Sony, saying, “If there was something to confess, I would be the first to say it.”
Public Reactions and Future Developments
The incident has sparked discussions about Kove’s behavior on set and his interactions with co-stars. Despite his apology to Hannah-Kim, the biting episode and the subsequent allegations have cast a shadow over his career.
As of now, no charges have been filed in connection to the biting incident, and Kove maintains that he has always been transparent about his actions.
While the situation continues to develop, it serves as a reminder of the challenges and complexities that can arise between actors in close working environments. For now, Kove’s future on Cobra Kai and in the entertainment industry remains uncertain.
