'Karate Kid' Star Martin Kove Addresses Alleged Assault Of Costar

Martin Kove is apologizing after allegedly assaulting his "Cobra Kai" co-star Alicia Hannah-Kim during what he now admits was a "playful" moment gone wrong.

The bizarre incident led to police being called and the actor being removed from the Washington State event over the weekend. 

Alicia Hannah-Kim told authorities the bite followed what was meant to be a friendly tap on Martin Kove's shoulder at their booth.

The actor, widely known for playing sensei John Kreese in "The Karate Kid" franchise and Netflix's "Cobra Kai," issued a public statement addressing the incident, which led to police involvement at the event.

"I deeply regret and apologize for my actions regarding the incident with Alicia, a genuinely kind and wonderful person who didn't deserve to be put in this position," Kove wrote. 

He added that he meant no harm, saying the moment was intended to be lighthearted but clearly crossed a line. "I was being playful in the moment, but went too far, and there is absolutely no excuse for my behavior," he continued.

In the statement shared by TMZ, Kove wrapped up by taking full ownership of what happened: "I regret my actions for which I take full responsibility for what I did, and again I apologize to her and her husband. I'm committed to learning from this, and it will never happen again."

What began as a seemingly light moment at the fan convention appearance took a serious turn after Kove's physical encounter with Hannah-Kim resulted in his removal from the event and involvement from local police.

The Blast reports that the incident prompted an on-site officer to step in and inform the 78-year-old that his actions could be considered a criminal offense. 

The officer noted a visible bite mark on her arm that had already begun to bruise and turn blue. Kove reportedly acknowledged what happened and issued an apology to both Hannah-Kim and her husband in front of the officer before being led out of the venue.

Although no formal charges were filed, Hannah-Kim requested an informational police report and gave statements alongside her husband. Police advised Kove not to repeat the behavior. 

Kove might play one of the most intimidating characters in the series, but his co-stars say the real guy behind the tough-guy persona is far more chill and even endearing despite his recent controversy.

During a panel for Variety, cast members Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, and Vanessa Rubio were asked by senior TV writer Joe Otterson if Kove is as intense off-screen as his character, John Kreese. The answer? Not really.

Henggeler, who plays Amanda LaRusso, shared a moment that pretty much summed up Kove's whole vibe. 

"I feel like we're making one show, and Marty's in a completely different series," she shared, recalling a time she saw Kove puffing on a cigar, chatting on the phone, and rocking bold sunglasses. "He's just cooler than anybody that we got going on. He's just his own vibe," she added. 

Zabka, who plays Johnny Lawrence, painted an even softer picture. He called Kove "Very sweet," and "a big brother," praising the way he embraced the emotional depth of his character. 

In the video, Hannah-Kim could be heard calling out Kove's alleged bite, turning what he said was playful into a serious moment. 

NBC News obtained the footage showing a police officer sternly telling Kove, "You can not bite people, that is not okay," just after the incident was reported. Hannah-Kim added her own sharp remark, saying, "That is assault!"

When Kove tried to brush it off as lighthearted fun, "I was just playing because we're very playful together, and I bit down too hard," Hannah-Kim did not accept it. 

She clearly rejected his explanation and challenged him directly. "[We] do not play like that," she said as she turned to the officer. "You have left a mark on my body, which in your 80-year-old brain, you think is 'play.'"

Things escalated further when she pointedly asked, "Sir, were you raised in a ditch?"

Bodycam footage also showed the actress refusing to let the moment slide and ensuring it was officially documented. Hannah-Kim, who played Kim Da-Eun in Seasons 5 and 6 of the Netflix series, did not hold back.

After reporting the bite to police, she went off on Kove for snapping at her when she confronted him. "You yelled at me! You had the audacity! How dare you, sir," she said, visibly upset.

Kove admitted he lost his temper and apologized, telling her he was angry at himself for "indulging in something improper." Still, Hannah-Kim made it clear she wanted the incident on record, telling the responding officer:

"I would like it to go on his record between me and him, so that he cannot ever do this to me again."

As officers documented the visible bite mark, Kove was told that Hannah-Kim would not be pressing charges, but the report would stay on file.

Will Martin Kove's apology mark the start of healing between the co-stars?