KIEFER SUTHERLAND - 24 CO-STAR DEFENDS SUTHERLAND

24 CO-STAR DEFENDS SUTHERLAND

KIEFER SUTHERLAND's former 24 co-star CARLOS BERNARD has leaped to his pal's defence following allegations he assaulted a fashion designer at a New York party.
Sutherland is charged with third-degree assault after allegedly headbutting Proenza Schouler co-founder Jack MCCollough at a Met Costume Institute Gala afterparty earlier this month (05May09).
Bernard, who played government agent Tony Almeida in the hit drama series, has been friends with Sutherland since they began working together in 2001.
And the 36-year-old star can't believe his friend would commit such a violent act - because the behaviour seems so out of character for Sutherland.
He says, "Kiefer is one of my best friends, and he's a great guy. I've been around the world with him in bars and social situations, and I've never seen anything close to this happening, He always bends over backwards to be courteous with people and to be generous with his time."
Sutherland, who is currently under a probation order in Los Angeles relating to a 2007 conviction for driving under the influence, faces a $1,000 (£660) fee and up to a year in jail if convicted of the third-degree assault charge.
His arraignment is scheduled for 22 June (09) at Manhattan Criminal Court.