Martin Kove Issues Public Apology After Biting ‘Cobra Kai’ Co-Star Alicia Hannah-Kim at Fan Convention: “I Went Too Far”

In an incident that left fans and industry insiders stunned, Cobra Kai star Martin Kove has issued a formal public apology after biting his co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim during a fan convention on Sunday.

The event, which was meant to celebrate the enduring popularity of the Karate Kid franchise and its hit Netflix spin-off, took an unexpected turn when Kove’s playful gesture crossed a clear line of professional and personal boundaries.

The Incident: From Playful Moment to Public Outcry

Witnesses at the convention reported that during a photo opportunity with fans, Kove suddenly leaned in and bit Hannah-Kim on the arm without warning. Multiple videos of the incident surfaced on social media within hours, showing the shocked reaction of both Hannah-Kim and the surrounding crowd.

The footage quickly went viral, sparking widespread criticism online. Fans and commentators flooded Twitter and Instagram with hashtags like #RespectAlicia and #NotOkay, calling out Kove for what many perceived as inappropriate and unacceptable behavior, regardless of his intent.

Martin Kove’s Statement: “No Excuse for My Behavior”

Facing mounting backlash, Kove, 78, issued an official statement on Tuesday through his representatives at Jaffe & Co. Crisis Management.

“I deeply regret and apologize for my actions regarding the incident with Alicia (Hannah-Kim), a genuinely kind and wonderful person who didn’t deserve to be put in this position,” Kove said.

He continued:

“I’ve always respected her and considered her a highly professional and talented co-worker on Cobra Kai. I was being playful in the moment but went too far, and there is absolutely no excuse for my behavior. I regret my actions, for which I take full responsibility, and again I apologize to her and her husband. I’m committed to learning from this and it will never happen again.”

Reaction From the Industry and Fans

While Hannah-Kim has yet to release a public statement of her own, sources close to the actress say she was caught off-guard and “visibly shaken” in the moments following the incident.

Several fellow cast members from Cobra Kai have reportedly reached out to her privately to offer their support.

Fans online expressed disappointment in Kove, who has long been a beloved figure thanks to his portrayal of the tough but charismatic John Kreese on Cobra Kai and the original Karate Kid films.

“This was supposed to be a fun event. It’s not acceptable, no matter the intent,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Broader Conversations About Behavior at Fan Events

The incident has also reignited conversations within the entertainment industry about professionalism and boundaries at fan conventions—spaces where actors are often expected to engage playfully with fans and fellow cast members but where lines of consent must always be respected.

Advocates for safer fan events argue that this situation serves as a reminder that behavior some may see as lighthearted or joking can still cause harm, discomfort, or embarrassment to others—especially in public settings.

“Intent does not negate impact,” one convention organizer commented anonymously. “Celebrities need to remember that playfulness has limits, and physical contact without consent crosses that line.”

Moving Forward: Can Kove Repair the Damage?

Kove’s swift public apology has been viewed by some as a necessary first step toward accountability, but others believe it will take more than words to rebuild trust.

“Apologies are good, but change in behavior is what really matters,” a fan tweeted.

As of now, there is no word on whether Kove will face professional consequences from Netflix or the Cobra Kai production team. Representatives for both the show and Hannah-Kim have declined to comment further at this time.

For now, the entertainment world watches to see how both Kove and the industry at large respond to this troubling moment.