Ziering Fights Back: Mini-Biker Lawsuit Dismissed?

Actor Ian Ziering is actively defending himself against a lawsuit filed after a New Year's Eve 2023 incident. Ziering has invoked California's Anti-SLAPP statute to seek dismissal of claims for intentional infliction of emotional distress and malicious prosecution. He contends the legal action is baseless and constitutes attempted civil extortion.

The altercation occurred when Ziering and his daughter were allegedly swarmed by members of an illegal minibike gang in Los Angeles. During the confrontation, Ziering reported that his vehicle's windshield was smashed. He later expressed concern on social media about street hooliganism and the need for effective law enforcement.

Following the incident, Ziering filed a police report and later identified an individual involved to the LAPD. Despite this interaction, Ziering maintains his public statements were limited and did not identify the plaintiff. The lawsuit, filed last year, alleges assault, battery, and emotional distress, but Ziering's motion specifically targets the latter two claims, asserting they arise from his protected free speech.