Martin Kove, the 78-year-old actor famous for playing John Kreese in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai, was removed from a fan convention after allegedly biting his co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim. The incident happened at Summer Con in Puyallup, Washington, on June 22, 2025. Hannah-Kim reported that Kove bit her arm so hard it nearly drew blood, leaving visible marks and bruises.
According to a police report, Hannah-Kim, 37, tapped Kove on the shoulder to greet him when he suddenly grabbed her arm and bit her. She yelled in pain, and Kove then kissed the same spot. Hannah-Kim told officers the bite was unprovoked and caused immediate bruising. She and her husband, actor Sebastian Roche, later confronted Kove, who reportedly became angry and defensive.
Martin Kove claimed he was just being funny and that they often play-fight on the Cobra Kai set. However, Hannah-Kim denied this, saying the bite was painful and unexpected. She did not press charges but filed a police report in case of future incidents. Kove was escorted out of the event by security.
The incident shocked fans and convention attendees. Many online called Kove’s actions unacceptable. Some questioned why he thought biting someone was appropriate behavior. Others expressed concern for Hannah-Kim, who had visible injuries.
“Martin Kove suddenly grabbed her arm and bit her upper arm so hard it nearly drew blood, and she yelled out in pain. Once Martin Kove finished biting her arm, he grabbed her arm again and began kissing it where he had bit her.”
Hannah-Kim joined Cobra Kai in Season 5 as Kim Da-Eun, a South Korean sensei who teams up with Kreese. Kove has played the villainous John Kreese since the original Karate Kid in 1984. The Netflix series Cobra Kai ended with its sixth season in February 2025.
Summer Con featured other Cobra Kai stars, including Mary Mouser, Tanner Buchanan, and Jacob Bertrand. The event also hosted actors from Star Trek, Daredevil, and wrestling personalities. Kove’s removal became a major talking point among attendees.
Police officer Eric Barry documented the incident, noting Martin Kove admitted to biting Hannah-Kim but called it a joke. Barry warned Kove that his actions were illegal in Washington state. Despite the warning, Kove did not provide a written statement before leaving.
Hannah-Kim’s decision not to press charges allowed Martin Kove to avoid legal trouble. However, the police report remains on record. Photos of her bruised arm were included as evidence. The incident has raised questions about Kove’s behavior at public events.
Fans reacted strongly on social media. Some defended Martin Kove, saying he may not have realized his strength. Others called his actions bizarre and inappropriate. Many were surprised that Hannah-Kim did not take further legal action.
“This is not okay like what??? Everything about this is crazy.”
“Martin Kove just completely destroyed and ruined his reputation.”
Martin Kove has not publicly commented on the incident. Representatives for both actors have not responded to media requests. The fallout could affect Kove’s appearances at future fan conventions, where actors often earn thousands per day.
The Cobra Kai cast has been close-knit, with many co-stars supporting each other publicly. This incident marks one of the few public conflicts involving the show’s actors. Hannah-Kim has not posted about the incident on her social media.
Kove’s role as Kreese made him a fan favorite, but this controversy may change perceptions. His character was known for ruthless behavior, but real-life actions have drawn criticism. The incident adds an unexpected twist to his long career.
Summer Con organizers have not issued a statement. The event continued without further disruptions. Other Cobra Kai stars carried on with meet-and-greets and photo sessions. Kove’s early exit left some fans disappointed but understanding.
This is not the first time a celebrity has faced backlash at a fan event. Similar incidents in the past have led to bans or public apologies. Kove’s case stands out due to the physical nature of the alleged assault.
Hannah-Kim’s choice to file a report but not press charges suggests she wanted accountability without escalating the situation. The decision allows her to take legal action later if needed. The bite marks and police documentation support her account.
Kove’s career spans over 230 acting credits, including Rambo: First Blood Part II and Cagney & Lacey. His role in Cobra Kai revived his fame, introducing him to new generations. The show’s success made him a regular at conventions worldwide.
The incident highlights the importance of boundaries between co-stars, even in playful settings. What one person considers fun, another may see as harmful. The police report serves as a formal record of the disagreement.
Cobra Kai ended after six seasons, wrapping up the stories of Johnny Lawrence, Daniel LaRusso, and their students. The show’s legacy remains strong, but this incident may overshadow some of its positive moments. Fans hope for a resolution between the actors.
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