Ian Ziering, best known for playing Steve Sanders in the 1990s series Beverly Hills 90210, has been accused of assault and battery following an alleged road rage incident on New Year's Eve 2023. The 61-year-old actor is facing a lawsuit from Jacob Hernandez, who claims Ziering verbally and physically attacked him during a confrontation in Los Angeles.
According to the complaint obtained by People magazine, Hernandez was riding a motorbike with a friend on a busy street when they paused in front of Ziering's stationary Mercedes-Benz. Hernandez insists they were not impeding traffic and that Ziering unexpectedly exited his car, shouting and then shoving him without provocation. The push allegedly caused Hernandez to fall into his friend, knocking both bikes over and resulting in injuries and damage.
The lawsuit accuses Ziering of battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, malicious prosecution, negligence, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. It also alleges that Ziering provided misleading information to law enforcement and in media interviews, leading to Hernandez's arrest, though no criminal charges were brought. The filing states that Hernandez now fears public humiliation and avoids leaving his home.
Ziering's version of events differs. In a social media post on New Year's Day 2024, he described being stuck in traffic when a group on mini bikes approached aggressively. He claimed he exited to assess any damage to his car, and the situation escalated into a physical altercation. Ziering, who had his 12-year-old daughter with him, said he acted to protect himself and condemned what he called “hooliganism on our streets.”
The actor added that the incident highlighted the need for stronger law enforcement responses to such behaviour. Hernandez is seeking compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial. No court date has yet been set.
