According to a complaint filed in Los Angeles County, Jacob Hernandez claims Ziering verbally and physically attacked him during a confrontation on New Year’s Eve 2023. The lawsuit includes allegations of battery, assault, intentional infliction of emotional distress, malicious prosecution, negligence, and negligent infliction of emotional distress.
Hernandez says he and a friend were riding motorbikes through heavy traffic in Los Angeles when they stopped briefly in front of a Mercedes-Benz driven by Ziering. The complaint states traffic was already at a standstill and that Hernandez was not blocking or impeding the vehicle in any way.
The lawsuit alleges that Ziering suddenly exited his car and began yelling at Hernandez, who did not respond. Ziering is then accused of shoving Hernandez without provocation, causing him to fall into his friend and knock both bikes to the ground. Hernandez and his friend reportedly suffered injuries, and their motorbikes were damaged.
The complaint further claims that a chaotic fight broke out in the street as other people stepped in to help Hernandez, and that parts of the incident were captured on video.
Hernandez also accuses Ziering of using his celebrity status to shape public perception after the incident. The lawsuit claims Ziering gave multiple interviews and posted on social media while leaving out key details, portraying Hernandez as the aggressor.
According to the filing, Hernandez was arrested on May 21, 2024, based on what he claims was misleading information provided to police. He was held on $50,000 bail before his family secured his release. The following month, Hernandez says prosecutors informed him that no criminal case would move forward.
The lawsuit states that Hernandez has since suffered severe mental health issues, including anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia, due to his arrest and negative media coverage.
“His name was publicly vilified,” the complaint alleges, adding that Hernandez now avoids leaving his home or using social media out of fear of public humiliation.
Hernandez is seeking both compensatory and punitive damages and has requested a jury trial.
At the time of the incident, police and media reports described a different version of events. A statement from the Los Angeles Police Department said a motorist was assaulted by four to five minibike riders after a confrontation over possible vehicle damage. Police said Ziering’s car was vandalized while his 10-year-old daughter was inside, though neither was seriously injured.
Ziering also addressed the incident on Instagram on January 1, 2024, saying he was approached aggressively by riders on minibikes and exited his vehicle to check for damage. He claimed the situation escalated into a physical confrontation as he tried to protect himself.
The civil case now sets the stage for a legal battle over what truly happened that night and whether Ziering’s actions crossed the line from self-defense into assault.
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