Former Beverly Hills 90210 actor Ian Ziering is facing a civil lawsuit from one of the mini-bike riders involved in a public altercation with him on a Hollywood street last year. The plaintiff accuses the Sharknado star of assault, battery, and malicious prosecution following the incident, which was captured on video.
The Incident and Conflicting Accounts
The confrontation occurred on December 31, 2023, in the 6800 block of Hollywood Boulevard. According to the lawsuit filed in LA County by Jacob Hernandez, then aged 20, he was riding with a friend in slow-moving traffic when he paused his bike near Ziering's Mercedes-Benz. Hernandez claims he was not blocking the vehicle.
The legal complaint states that Ziering, 60, suddenly exited his car and began yelling. Hernandez alleges he did not respond, but the actor then moved towards him and shoved him "completely unprompted," causing Hernandez to fall into his friend and their bikes to topple over. The suit claims both men suffered injuries and their vehicles were damaged.
This account starkly contrasts with Ziering's public statement the following day. On January 1, 2024, the actor posted on Instagram that he "was approached aggressively by one of these riders," leading him to exit his car to assess damage, which then "escalated into a physical altercation" he navigated to protect himself and his daughter, Penna, who was present.
Legal Allegations and Fallout
Jacob Hernandez's lawsuit levels serious accusations beyond the physical altercation. He claims Ziering used his celebrity status to manipulate the media narrative, giving interviews and posting on social media while omitting key facts to portray Hernandez as the aggressor.
Furthermore, Hernandez alleges that "misleading information" provided by Ziering to police led directly to his arrest. He was booked on suspicion of felony vandalism and held on $50,000 bail before his family secured his release. The District Attorney later declined to file criminal charges at his arraignment the following month.
The plaintiff states the experience caused him significant mental distress, including extreme anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia. He claims fear of public humiliation has made him reluctant to leave his home or use social media.
Seeking Damages and a Jury Trial
In the civil complaint, Hernandez has requested a jury trial and is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages from the actor. The lawsuit accuses Ziering of assault, battery, malicious prosecution, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Hernandez was one of two individuals arrested in connection with the New Year's Eve incident. The LAPD's initial statement described a confrontation that began over possible vehicle damage before three to four other riders joined in. Video evidence was cited as key to the investigation.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Ian Ziering for comment on the new lawsuit but has not yet received a response.
