Reality Star Mike Shouhed Enters Diversion Program Following Assault Accusation

Mike Shouhed, known for his appearance on “Shahs of Sunset,” has been directed by the court to enter a one-year mental health diversion program following an alleged assault in 2022 involving his then-fiancée, Paulina Ben-Cohen. The ruling was made during a recent court appearance, and has been accompanied by the release of a controversial video depicting the incident.

The court-mandated program comes in response to charges of assault and battery against Shouhed. A protective order has also been issued for Ben-Cohen, stipulating that Shouhed must refrain from using or threatening any form of force or violence against her.

The released footage, a component of Ben-Cohen’s civil lawsuit against Shouhed, shows a man, identified by Ben-Cohen as Shouhed, engaged in a physical confrontation. The video reveals a man appearing to grab Ben-Cohen by the hair and push her to the ground, as well as engaging in additional physical altercations.

Allegations from Ben-Cohen assert that during this altercation, Shouhed threatened not to leave the house and sought a firearm, prompting police intervention. Law enforcement officers allegedly noticed visible marks on Ben-Cohen, which led to Shouhed’s arrest.

Court documents indicate that prosecutors had initially arranged for Shouhed to enter a diversion program in 2022, which involved anger management classes, community service, and a gun safety course. However, due to appeals from the city attorney’s office, the implementation of this program experienced delays.

Ben-Cohen’s lawsuit accuses Shouhed of not only assault and battery but also the intentional infliction of emotional distress and gender violence. She cites another incident in 2021 as an example of a pattern of behavior.

Shouhed’s attorney, George Mgdesyan, disputes the portrayal of events captured in the video, claiming that it does not depict the full context. Mgdesyan asserts that Shouhed’s actions were an attempt to deescalate the situation for the well-being of their children, one of whom has a health condition that requires a smoke-free environment.

Despite these assertions, Shouhed will be participating in the diversion program, a legal outcome determined by the court to address the allegations brought forth by Ben-Cohen.