Public Outing of Martin Kove Causes Commotion amidst Controversial Situation: ‘Oh Dear’

Martin Kove, the actor well-known for portraying the villainous character John Kreese in “The Karate Kid” and “Cobra Kai,” made a public appearance following accusations from his co-star, Alicia Hannah-Kim.

Recently, the 78-year-old actor was spotted taking a walk in Franklin, Tennessee. During this appearance, he seemed disheveled and chose not to address any questions concerning the alleged assault.

The concerning incident pertains to an accusation against Kove for reportedly biting his “Cobra Kai” co-star at a fan convention recently. Hannah-Kim, who also stars as a sensei in the series, reported the incident to the authorities alleging that Kove bit her so forcefully that it almost broke the skin.

Martin Kove admitted to the assault in police bodycam footage, which shows him justifying his actions as playful behavior.

Days after the incident, Kove was seen taking a walk in Franklin, where he puffed on a cigar and strolled shirtless in worn-out gray athletic shorts and black sneakers. He appeared to be having an animated conversation on his phone, though his unkempt appearance and lack of a response to the incident raised eyebrows.

Some onlookers commented on his appearance, with one viewer remarking, “He looks like he’s transforming into a werewolf,” while others expressed dismay at seeing him shirtless, calling it “yikes” and “we do not need to see this.”

“He did not age well,” someone else said.

The photos of Kove’s recent outing were obtained by the Daily Mail.

Kove has denied these allegations, calling them “untrue” in a statement to Deadline on Thursday.

However, the latest accusation, stemming from the shocking biting incident, has reignited discussions about his conduct on set and in public.

The confrontation at the Washington State Summer Con in Puyallup, Washington, took a dramatic turn when Kove allegedly bit Hannah-Kim while the two were attending the convention.

According to reports, she screamed in pain and confronted him immediately, demanding an explanation for his actions. “You cannot bite people, that is not OK!” she yelled, adding, “You have left a mark on my body, which in your 80-year-old brain, you think is play.”

Kove’s justification for the incident, captured on police bodycam footage, included him describing his actions as part of a playful dynamic between the two, stating that he was “just playing” and that he had “bit down too hard.”

He tried to excuse his behavior by claiming that their roles as senseis on “Cobra Kai” led to playful interactions, including physicality on screen.

When confronted by police, Kove was informed that his actions had constituted a crime, which he seemed to reject.

“I didn’t interpret the bite as a crime,” he said, a statement that further enraged Hannah-Kim. “It’s not interpreted as a crime! He can take you away in handcuffs! You committed a crime, that’s why we’re here!” she retorted, showing officers the faint teeth marks on her upper arm.

After the news broke and photos began to surface online, Kove released a statement expressing his regret over the incident.