Mike Shouhed, the former star of Bravo’s “Shahs of Sunset,” is in trouble with the law again. In documents filed on March 22 in Los Angeles Superior Court, Shouhed is accused of assault and battery, gender violence and intentional infliction of emotional distress stemming from an incident back in March of 2022.
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Dark Details About Shouhed’s Arrest Emerge In Lawsuit
Instagram/Mike Shouhed
In the documents, 45-year-old Shouhed’s former fiancé, Paulina Ben-Cohen, who appeared on seasons 8 and 9 of the hit Bravo show, alleges that in 2022, the couple argued at a Los Angeles home following a dispute regarding a hookah. Shouhed began verbally assaulting her, calling her a “horrible mother,” “f—ing w—-,” and “piece of s—t,” according to Page Six. The attack then turned physical, with Ben-Cohen alleging Shouhed assaulted her in a bedroom and in the children’s playroom. Ben-Cohen has two children from a previous marriage. The children were allegedly home at the time, but not involved in the assault.
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Following the incident, Shouhed was arrested and released on bond. Ben-Cohen’s lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages and punitive damages. Harrowing images from security footage at the home show how the terrifying scene unfolded, with Shouhed overpowering Ben-Cohen, covering her mouth and attempting to strangle and choke her before throwing her to the ground. After Shouhed threatened to kill Ben-Cohen and attempted to retrieve his firearm, she was finally able to call 911.
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Fans Express Disgust, Speculate About Cause Of Cancellation
Online, fans of Bravo and “Shahs of Sunset” have been vocal about their disgust of Shouhed and the incident; especially on X, the platform formally known as Twitter!
“He was always scary… I hope she gets far away from him and is safe,” said one X user.
“He’s had crazy in his eyes since season 1,” another commented.
Another user posted, “Those ugly domestic attack on women by ‘famous’ folks is reprehensible. I hope he rots in jail.”
Fan also speculated online as to whether Shouhed’s legal issues were the cause of the shows cancellation in April of 2022, just one month after Shouhed’s initial arrest. “He’s the whole reason Shahs is no longer on the network. He’s been a problem from the start. I hope he spends time in jail,” another chimed in.
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Shouhed and his representatives have denied all allegations.
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Shouhed Charged With 14 Criminal Charges Following 2022 Arrest
Instagram/Mike Shouhed
According to People magazine, “‘Nearly four minutes after [Shouhed] initiated his series of vicious and brutal attacks on plaintiff, this harrowing incident finally came to an end…,’ the complaint states. ‘After Shouhed went upstairs to retrieve one of his firearms, the police were called, came to the residence and arrested Shouhed.’”
Shouhed was subsequently charged with 14 criminal charges. According to TMZ, Shouhed entered a diversion program where he was required to take anger management and parenting courses, plus a gun safety course. Shouhed also performed community service as part of the deal, which resulted in most charges being dropped.
Shouhed And Ben-Cohen Remain Together After Arrest
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The couple remained together following Shouhed’s arrest and were seen vacationing in Mexico in April, almost a month after the incident. The couple has since split, though they never officially announced their breakup. Ben-Cohen was seen out with a new love interest late last year, according to Radar Online.
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‘Shahs Of Sunset’ Canceled After Shouhed Arrest
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“Shahs of Sunset” aired on Bravo for nine seasons from 2012 to 2021. The show followed the exploits of a group of Iranian-American friends living and working in Beverly Hills. Shouhed, a real estate broker, appeared as a cast member on all nine seasons, along with Reza Farahan, Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi, and Mercedes “MJ” Javid. Shouhed’s marriage and divorce from Jessica Parido was also chronicled on the hit show.
Shouhed began dating Ben-Cohen after his divorce from Parido was finalized. “‘We met through a mutual friend of ours and our first date was at Taco Bell,’ Paulina recalled,” on an episode of Behind the Rope with David Yontef.
In 2021, the couple announced their engagement during the season 9 reunion, despite Shouhed being dogged by rumors of infidelity.
Bravo announced that “Shahs of Sunset” had been canceled in April of 2022, just one month after Shouhed’s arrest.