Kiefer Sutherland is being sued by an Uber driver

Kiefer Sutherland is facing an assault and battery lawsuit filed by his former Uber driver over an alleged incident in Los Angeles that led to the actor's arrest. Sutherland's lawyer is strongly denying the allegations.

According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Uber driver Rafael Menvelian claims that on January 12, he picked up Sutherland, who, according to him, was "visibly intoxicated."

Menvelian, who says he speaks limited English, as he mainly uses Russian and Armenian, claims that the actor became upset because he couldn't understand him well.

The lawsuit alleges that Sutherland became increasingly “hostile, aggressive and conflicted” while driving, allegedly yelling at the driver and verbally abusing him.

The driver claims that the "24" star threatened to kill him and attacked him while he was driving. According to him, the actor repeatedly punched him in the head, face, neck and upper body with closed fists.

Menvelian further claims that the actor put him in a chokehold and continued to threaten to kill him.

The driver says he managed to get out of the car and run away, but Sutherland allegedly followed him down the street, shouting, "I'm going to kill you."

According to him, the vehicle's dashcam recorded at least part of the incident, and there were witnesses who saw what happened.

Menvelian claims he suffered injuries to his head, face, neck, spine and shoulders. He also states that police officers who arrived at the scene noticed a bruise and swelling on his forehead.

His lawyer Mitra Saburi told TMZ:

"Mr. Menvelian is a private individual who did not seek public attention. He filed this lawsuit to seek legal redress for the injuries and damages he claims he has suffered."

She added that, out of respect for his privacy, she would not publish the footage from the vehicle's camera, and that the facts and evidence would be presented through court proceedings.

In addition to assault and battery, Menvelian is suing Sutherland for intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligence. He is seeking an unspecified amount of damages, including punitive damages.

On the other hand, the actor's lawyer, Andrew Bretler, presented a completely different version of events.

"Six months ago, Kiefer Sutherland was involved in a terrifying incident as a passenger in an Uber, when the driver refused to stop the vehicle despite his repeated requests," Bretler said.

He added that the driver refused medical attention at the scene, but later began to “exaggerate and distort his claims of distress and injury,” seeking millions of dollars in damages after he and his lawyer became aware of Sutherland’s fame.

"Kiefer intends to fight this lawsuit because he has no intention of rewarding an individual who, in our opinion, has fabricated a distorted version of events in an attempt to gain enormous financial gain," Bretler concluded.