Alleged Bite Incident Leads to Martin Kove’s Removal from Summer Con
Actor Martin Kove, known for his iconic role as John Kreese in the “Karate Kid” franchise and the Netflix hit “Cobra Kai,” was reportedly removed from a fan convention this past weekend following an accusation of physical assault by his co-star, Alicia Hannah-Kim.
The incident allegedly occurred on Sunday, June 22, 2025, during Summer Con in Puyallup, Washington. Kove, 78, was asked to leave the event after Hannah-Kim, 37, filed a report with the Puyallup Police Department detailing the alleged encounter.
Allegation Details Emerge
According to police reports and statements obtained by various news outlets, Hannah-Kim, who portrays Sensei Kim Da-Eun in Seasons 5 and 6 of “Cobra Kai,” was at the convention when the alleged incident took place. She claimed that as she was passing by or approaching Kove, he suddenly grabbed her arm and bit her forcefully. Hannah-Kim described the bite as severe, stating it came “almost to drawing blood” and caused her pain, prompting her to cry out. Following the alleged bite, she claimed Kove grabbed her arm again and began kissing the area where he had bitten her.
Officer Eric Barry of the Puyallup Police Department responded to the report and documented the alleged assault. According to his report, he observed a “very noticeable bite mark” on Hannah-Kim’s arm that was already “turning blue and bruising,” consistent with her account of a forceful bite. Photographic evidence of the injury was also reportedly taken.
Confrontation and Kove’s “Just Joking” Claim
Hannah-Kim’s husband, actor Sebastian Roché, was reportedly present and witnessed the alleged interaction. Hannah-Kim and Roché then reportedly confronted Kove about the incident.
According to Hannah-Kim’s handwritten statement included in the police report, Kove became “furious and outraged and visibly angry” when she calmly addressed his actions. He reportedly “exploded on them,” questioning their right to confront him.
When questioned by Officer Barry, Kove reportedly admitted to biting Hannah-Kim’s arm but characterized the act as being done “out of jest” and claimed he thought he was being “funny.” He allegedly told the officer and the couple that he and Hannah-Kim “play fight all the time on the set of Cobra Kai” and that he “did not think it was a big deal.” Officer Barry reportedly informed Kove that his actions constituted an illegal assault under Washington State law and would not be tolerated in the future, to which Kove allegedly reiterated he was “just messing around” and “did not mean for it to be perceived as illegal.”
Police Report Filed, Kove Escorted Out
Despite the alleged assault and the visible injury documented by police, Hannah-Kim ultimately chose not to file formal criminal charges against Kove at this time. However, she requested that an informational police report be filed for documentation purposes, including statements from herself and her husband, “in case this continues.”
Following the investigation and the filing of the police report, Martin Kove was reportedly escorted out of the Summer Con event.
Representatives for both Martin Kove and Alicia Hannah-Kim have reportedly been contacted by multiple news outlets for comment regarding the incident, but no public statements had been issued by the time of this report. Sources familiar with the convention noted that the situation was handled relatively quickly on-site, though news of the altercation did circulate among attendees.
“Cobra Kai” Roles and Franchise Context
Martin Kove is a legendary figure in the “Karate Kid” universe, originating the role of the ruthless Cobra Kai sensei, John Kreese, in the 1984 film. He reprised the fan-favorite villain role for the critically acclaimed Netflix sequel series, “Cobra Kai,” appearing throughout its six-season run. Kove has previously spoken about the enduring popularity of the franchise, attributing it to relatable themes and the return of original characters that bridge generations of fans. He also noted his desire for Kreese to have a deeper emotional arc in the new series.
Alicia Hannah-Kim joined “Cobra Kai” in Season 5 as Kim Da-Eun, a formidable sensei with ties to Kreese’s past, becoming a key antagonist in the series. “Cobra Kai” recently wrapped filming on its highly anticipated sixth and final season, set to conclude the popular saga. Fan conventions like Summer Con are common events for actors in popular franchises to meet fans, sign autographs, and participate in photo opportunities, often providing significant income.