Ian Ziering, best known for playing Steve Sanders on the 1990s teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210, was brutally attacked by a group of bikers in a shocking altercation that took place on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles on New Year’s Eve.
The Attack
According to sources close to the incident, Ziering was driving along the busy stretch of Hollywood Boulevard around 10 PM on December 31st when he became embroiled in some kind of traffic dispute with a large group of bikers performing stunts and weaving recklessly through traffic.
It’s unclear exactly what sparked the initial confrontation, but witnesses say things quickly escalated when up to 10 bikers surrounded Ziering’s car, pounding on the windows and attempting to drag the actor from the vehicle.
Video taken by bystanders shows Ziering emerging from his car in an attempt to diffuse the situation, only to be set upon by the hostile bikers. The 59-year old actor was punched, kicked and thrown to the ground as the gang continued their vicious attack.
The brutal beating lasted almost a minute before the bikers peeled away, leaving a dazed and bloodied Ziering lying helpless on the road.
Police Investigation
The Los Angeles Police Department has confirmed they are actively investigating the assault on Ziering.
Detectives have obtained video evidence of the attack and are using it to try and identify the bikers responsible. However, with the assailants concealing their identities with motorcycle helmets and face coverings, positively identifying them may prove challenging.
Investigators are also interviewing eyewitnesses to try and establish events in the lead up to the physical confrontation. Their working theory is that Ziering may have accidentally clipped one of the biker’s bikes while attempting to navigate his way through the dense traffic, sparking the subsequent attack.
So far, no suspects have been publicly named and no arrests have been made. But police say the investigation remains very much active and ongoing.
Ziering Treated for Multiple Injuries
In the wake of the disturbing attack, Ziering was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital.
Doctors treated the actor for various injuries consistent with blunt force trauma, including bruises and lacerations to his face, chest, arms and legs. He also underwent scans to check for potential fractures, head trauma or internal bleeding.
Fortunately, results showed no major or life threatening injuries. After receiving stitches for some of his deeper gashes, Ziering was discharged and is now recovering at home.
People close to the star say he is extremely shaken by his ordeal but determined to put on a brave face.
“Ian is battered and bruised, both physically and emotionally,” one friend commented, “But he’s always been a fighter and is trying to keep his spirits up. The outpouring of warmth and support from fans has really buoyed him during this difficult time.”
History of Bad Blood?
This isn’t the first time Ziering has found himself at odds with the biker community.
Back in 2022, he became embroiled in a bitter feud with prominent biker club the Mongols over their unauthorized use of his name and likeness.
The club were hawking t-shirts featuring Ziering’s image from the cult Sharknado movie franchise and selling them to raise funds. However, they failed to obtain the actor’s permission or provide him with any compensation.
Ziering’s legal team issued the Mongols with a cease and desist order, which the club apparently begrudgingly complied with.
But some pundits speculate there may have been some lingering bad blood that bubbled over during this latest confrontation on New Year’s Eve.
Neither Ziering’s camp nor the bikers have commented on any connection between the incidents. But police haven’t ruled out the possibility of a targeted attack stemming from the previous trademark dispute.
Timeline of Events
- December 2022: Ziering issues cease & desist against Mongols biker club over unauthorized use of his likeness.
- December 31, 2022: Approximately 10 PM – Altercation occurs between Ziering & group of bikers on Hollywood Blvd during New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- December 31, 2022: 10:07 PM – Bystander video shows brutal beating of Ziering by bikers.
- January 1, 2023: Ziering treated for injuries at hospital before being discharged to recover at home.
- January 1, 2023: LAPD confirms investigation into assault. Seek witnesses & video evidence to identify attackers.
- January 1, 2023: Friends say Ziering shaken but determined to move forward positively.
What Happens Next?
As Ziering recuperates from his injuries sustained in the disturbing New Year’s Eve attack, many questions remain unanswered.
Police will continue working tirelessly to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. But with few leads so far, they face an uphill battle.
If suspects are definitively identified and successfully prosecuted, the bikers could face serious criminal charges including aggravated assault, battery, and gang violence.
Ziering also has the option to pursue civil action against both the individual attackers and the motorcycle clubs they are affiliated with. However, the actor has made no indications he plans to file suit at this stage.
The high-profile altercation has also renewed calls for authorities to crack down on unlawful biker gangs performing dangerous stunts on LA streets.
And fans worldwide will be keeping a concerned eye on much-loved star Ian Ziering as he recovers both physically and mentally from his terrifying ordeal at the hands of the out-of-control bikers.
All eyes remain on both the police investigation and Ziering’s recovery in the aftermath of this shocking Hollywood attack.
Eyewitness Accounts
“They just came out of nowhere… did a bunch of fancy spins with their bikes to block off traffic. Next thing you know tempers were flaring.”
“I saw the whole thing go down. That poor guy didn’t stand a chance when 10 bikers jumped him. It was horrific and brutal.”
“I heard yelling and peered out my window. By then the man was on the ground getting kicked repeatedly. I immediately called 911.”
Expert Commentary
Celebrity Crisis Manager Max Mellman:
“This is an extremely troubling situation. Ian faces serious trauma in the aftermath of this event, both physical and mental. He needs time to recover from his injuries and process what happened before deciding how he may wish to proceed legally. But violence should never be condoned despite whatever may have preceded this altercation.”
Urban Policy Analyst Dr Gemma Clancy:
“LA has seen numerous concerning confrontations stemming from unchecked biker gang culture. Authorities struggle to curb their frequent lawlessness on city roads. Changes preventing dangerously reckless stunts may reduce violent clashes going forward. But deeper social factors also need addressing to promote mutual understanding rather than hostility between road users.”
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