Beverly Hills, 90210 star Ian Ziering has called on Los Angeles leaders to step up efforts to combat crime after an “alarming” incident on the city’s streets.
Ziering, 59, made the comments in a lengthy statement on Instagram, following a brawl with a group of people on mini bikes in the heart of Hollywood on New Year’s Eve.
Video obtained by TMZ showed the actor being punched and kicked as he fought back against the attackers near the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. Ziering then ran down the street as passersby and vendors looked on.
“I experienced an alarming incident involving a group of individuals on mini bikes. While stuck in traffic, my car was approached aggressively by one of these riders leading to an unsettling confrontation,” Ziering shared on his Instagram page. “In an attempt to assess any damage I exited my car. This action, unfortunately, escalated into a physical altercation, which I navigated to protect myself.”
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The actor said his daughter was in the car with him. Neither was injured.
“I am relieved to report that my daughter and I are both completely unscathed, but the incident has left me deeply concerned about the growing boldness of such groups who disrupt public safety and peace,” Ziering shared.
Local news station KTLA 5 reported Los Angeles police responded to the area around 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 31, after receiving calls about a fight involving a group of bikers who had been driving recklessly in the area.
Most of the bikers were wearing motorcycle helmets that concealed their faces. The LAPD said the incident remains under investigation.
Ziering, who is also known for his starring role in the Sharknado TV movies, called the police response “unacceptable.”
“This situation highlights a larger issue of hooliganism on our streets and the need for effective law enforcement responses to such behavior,” he said. “As a citizen and a parent, I find it unacceptable that groups can freely engage in this kind of behavior, causing fear and chaos, while the response from authorities seems insufficient.”
Ziering added that he is taking a stand “against intimidation and misconduct.”
“We must address the underlying issues that lead to such disruptive behavior and ensure that our streets are safe for everyone,” he wrote. “I urge city officials and law enforcement to take decisive action against such lawlessness and provide the necessary resources to prevent future occurrences.”
The neighborhood where the brawl broke out is home to a shopping complex, restaurants, cinemas, and the Dolby Theatre — where the Academy Awards are held. The streets in the area are frequently filled with tourists, families, and journalists covering Hollywood events.
Watch the TMZ video below.
