Sutherland settles 'assault' row

Kiefer Sutherland turned himself in to police after the incident

Kiefer Sutherland and the man he allegedly assaulted in a Manhattan club have settled their differences, a joint statement issued by them says.

Sutherland was charged with assault on 7 May after allegedly attacking fashion designer Jack McCollough.

"I am sorry about what happened... and sincerely regret that Mr McCollough was injured," said the actor.

A District Attorney spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the charges would now be dismissed.

"I appreciate Mr Sutherland's statement and wish him well," said Mr McCollough.

Sutherland, 42, who is currently on probation over a drink-driving conviction, is scheduled to appear in court on 22 June.

The alleged assault took place at a party at nightclub SubMercer in the early hours of 5 May, following the Met Costume Gala.

Sutherland, the star of US TV drama 24, allegedly head-butted Mr McCollough, who works for fashion house Proenza Schouler, after the designer bumped into actress Brooke Shields.

According to the police report, Mr McCollough was left with a cut nose.

But the fashion designer later said his nose was broken in several places.

'Unfortunate situation'

Sutherland's lawyer said his client would not be making any comment himself "out of respect for this law enforcement process".

Meanwhile, a lawyer for Shields would not comment on whether the actress had been interviewed by police.

"While at the party, she was bumped into by Jack McCollough and Kiefer Sutherland became concerned," Gerald Lefcourt said in a statement.

"Kiefer has always been a gentleman in her company.

"Both Jack and Kiefer are friends of Ms Shields and she regrets this unfortunate situation."

Sutherland left jail in California in January 2008 after serving a 48-day sentence for drink-driving.

He was jailed and put on five years' probation after pleading guilty to being over the legal alcohol limit after leaving a party.