Martin Kove Leaves Convention After Allegations

Actor Martin Kove left a fan convention this past weekend following accusations of having bitten one of his co-stars. The “Cobra Kai” actor, aged 78, was reportedly asked to exit Summer Con in Puyallup, Washington, after co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim claimed he grabbed her arm and bit her.

According to the Puyallup Police Department’s report, 37-year-old Hannah-Kim approached an officer in the VIP area to report that Kove had bitten her. After allegedly releasing her, Kove was seen kissing the spot he had bitten as she reacted in pain. Following this, Hannah-Kim and her husband confronted Kove, and it was noted in the report that Kove reacted aggressively, asserting that he wouldn’t tolerate their response.

Interestingly, Kove later expressed that he and Hannah-Kim often joked around on set of “Cobra Kai” and claimed he was just attempting to be humorous. After speaking with the responding officer, Hannah-Kim stated she didn’t wish to press charges but wanted to document the incident in case it occurred again. Ultimately, Kove was asked to leave the event.

Kove, who is widely recognized for his role as John Kreese in the 1984 film “The Karate Kid,” portrayed a formidable antagonist in the series. Hannah-Kim had a role in Season 6 of “Cobra Kai” as Kim Da-Eun, a character who collaborated with Kove’s Kreese against rivals, including Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso, played by William Zabka and Ralph Macchio, respectively.

Reflecting on “The Karate Kid,” Kove has noted the film’s themes resonate universally—dealing with issues like romance and bullying—and appreciates how the revival series has introduced the story to new audiences. He mentioned that parents often share the film with their children, resulting in a multi-generational appreciation for the franchise.

In past conversations, Kove emphasized that although his original character was ruthless, he sought depth and emotional complexity in his return to the role. It seems fans may still be curious about how these stories continue to unfold.