Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

NBC Reporter Sues Beverly Hills Hotel Over Christmas Eve Attack

beverlyhillshotel.png
Photo by TooMuchFirevia the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Last year NBC reporter Robert Kovacik joined his friend (and real housewife of Beverly Hills) Lisa Vanderpump for a drink at the swanky lounge of the Beverly Hills Hotel on Christmas Eve. The night ended with him getting punched in the face by another patron Roger Talavera.

Kovacik pressed charges against Talavera who was required to do community service and fork over $19K to Kovacik's plastic surgeon. But now Kovacik is suing both Talavera for punching him and the hotel itself for not cutting off a reportedly very drunk Talavera sooner.

The attack cause Kovacik “physical injuries, emotional injuries, humiliation, embarrassment and other damages,” according to Media Bistro, which linked to a copy of the suit online. Kovacik is seeking unspecified damages, medical costs, interest and court costs from Talavera and the hotel.

A representative from the hotel told TMZ, "The Hotel will review its records of the incident, conduct an internal investigation of the allegations, and then respond to Mr. Kovacik's claims."

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today