SHIELDS LEAPS TO SUTHERLAND'S DEFENCE

The 24 star stands accused of third-degree assault after allegedly headbutting Proenza Schouler designer McCollough at a Met Costume Institute Gala afterparty on the night of 05 May (09).

McCollough accused Sutherland of leaving him with a broken nose after the altercation, in which the actor reportedly asked him to apologise for bumping into long-time friend Shields.

A spokesperson for Shields insisted last week (begs04May09) the actress was baffled by the incident: "Nothing happened to her. Jack did nothing inappropriate. It's not clear what caused Kiefer to do what he did."

But Shields is now defending Sutherland, insisting the earlier comments "are neither true nor authorised", reports TMZ.com.

A new statement issued on Shields' behalf on Monday (11May09) reads: "(Shields) was bumped into by Jack McCollough and Kiefer Sutherland became concerned... Kiefer has always been a gentleman in her company."

Meanwhile Sutherland's attorney Michael Miller has issued a statement in the actor's defence: "We are troubled by the untruthful and self-serving information circulating regarding Kiefer Sutherland and events of last Monday evening. We are confident, however, that the investigation being conducted by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office and the NYPD will confirm that Kiefer Sutherland was neither the instigator nor a wrongdoer in this incident."

Sutherland, who is currently under a probation order in Los Angeles relating to a 2007 conviction for driving under the influence (DUI), 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.