A recent legal filing has brought to light an alleged altercation between two former co-stars of the reality TV show "Shahs of Sunset," Golnesa "GG" Gharachedaghi and Paulina Ben-Cohen. According to documents obtained by People, Ben-Cohen has filed a temporary restraining order against Gharachedaghi following an incident that took place at a Los Angeles mall last Friday. The public confrontation has sparked concern and attention, as both women were once closer friends and colleagues on the Bravo reality series.
The incident allegedly unfolded at Bloomingdale’s, where Ben-Cohen claims Gharachedaghi approached her and forced her to leave the store to have a private conversation away from security cameras. Ben-Cohen, who is 34, accused Gharachedaghi, 43, of pulling out her phone and recording her while making derogatory and threatening remarks. The influencer alleged that Gharachedaghi said, “I’m going to f–k you up, you will pay for this.” Ben-Cohen also claimed that a nearby security guard witnessed the verbal exchange but did not immediately intervene, leaving her feeling scared and vulnerable. “I told her just please walk away. Please leave me alone. She said, ‘No, I have been waiting for this day,’” Ben-Cohen wrote in her filing.
The situation reportedly escalated further, with Ben-Cohen accusing Gharachedaghi of physical assault. She alleged that Gharachedaghi grabbed a chunk of her hair and yanked it, and also attempted to slap her face, though Ben-Cohen managed to move out of the way, and the blow instead struck her arm. The security guard then allegedly stepped in, holding Gharachedaghi back to allow Ben-Cohen to leave safely. Despite the intervention, Gharachedaghi reportedly told Ben-Cohen, “I’m not done with you,” leaving Ben-Cohen feeling threatened and ／:She filed a police report and requested that Gharachedaghi stay 100 yards away from her and her two children.
This is not the first time Ben-Cohen has been involved in a high-profile legal dispute. She was previously engaged to another "Shahs of Sunset" co-star, Mike Shouhed, but the two ended their relationship shortly after Shouhed was arrested for alleged domestic violence in April 2022. In March 2024, Ben-Cohen filed a lawsuit against Shouhed, accusing him of "vicious" and "brutal" attacks. Her history of personal and legal struggles adds context to her current fears and concerns for her safety.
Representatives for Gharachedaghi have not yet commented on the allegations, and it remains to be seen how this case will unfold. Meanwhile, Ben-Cohen’s filing paints a disturbing picture of intimidation and violence, and her request for a restraining order underscores the seriousness with which she views the situation. The allegations have drawn attention to the often fraught personal lives of reality TV stars, who are frequently thrust into the public eye and expected to navigate the consequences of their fame.
In summary, the latest developments in this ongoing saga highlight the complexities of interpersonal conflicts, particularly when they involve public figures. While the full details of the incident are still emerging, the legal actions taken by Ben-Cohen suggest a troubling pattern of alleged abuse and harassment. As the case progresses, it will be important to consider the broader implications for both the individuals involved and the broader conversation around personal safety and accountability.
