Sutherland Makes Red Carpet Return After Alleged Assault

Sutherland stands accused of third-degree assault after reportedly head-butting Proenza Schouler designer MCCollough at a Met Costume Institute Gala afterparty on 5 May (09).

He turned himself over to New York police last Thursday (07May09) and is due to be arraigned at Manhattan Criminal Court on 22 June (09).

But the 24 star is refusing to let his legal woes interfere with his red carpet duties, stepping out at the Waldorf Theatre in L.A. on Tuesday to promote the DVD release of hit TV series' seventh season.

And Sutherland insists he is coping well with the intense media scrutiny following the Big Apple incident, after seeing how his father, actor Donald Sutherland, handled fame during his youth.

He tells Usmagazine.com., "I've seen that with my dad, and I think (with) a lot of things, I was really lucky (to avoid the media attention). I was lucky enough when I started that I knew what was coming. I really love to work, and I can't tell you how grateful for everything it has done for me. You know it's coming down the pipe and you accept it... Just focus on the work and your family and friends."

Sutherland claims he was protecting his longtime friend actress Brooke Shields' honour when he allegedly clashed with MCCollough, who claims he was left with a broken nose.

The actor is currently on probation following his 2007 conviction for driving under the influence, and faces a $1,000 (£660) fine and up to a year in jail if convicted of the assault charge.