Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland is scheduled for a court appearance next month following his arrest over an alleged violent confrontation with a rideshare driver.
Details of the Alleged Hollywood Assault
Kiefer Sutherland, 59, was taken into custody by Los Angeles police on 12 January after a driver for Uber reported being assaulted. According to law enforcement sources speaking to ABC News, the star of the series 24 is accused of punching the driver multiple times and trying to choke him during the incident in Hollywood.
The driver managed to escape the vehicle to flee from Sutherland and called emergency services while running away. He reported to police that the actor appeared to be under the influence at the time. Fortunately, the driver did not sustain injuries serious enough to require medical treatment.
Investigators have revealed that the driver claims to have a dash cam installed in his car, which may have recorded parts of the altercation. The LAPD stated the investigation determined Sutherland physically assaulted the driver and made criminal threats.
Legal Proceedings and Past Incidents
As of now, Sutherland has not been formally charged, but the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office indicated he is likely to be charged shortly before his court date. He posted a $50,000 bond following his arrest and is due in court on 2 February.
This is not the first encounter with the law for the Golden Globe-winning actor, son of the late Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas. His record includes:
- Drunk driving arrests in 2004 and 2007, with the latter resulting in a 48-day jail sentence.
- An assault charge in 2009 for allegedly head-butting designer Jack McCollough after the Met Gala, though charges were later dropped.
- A more recent arrest in 2020 for allegedly driving under the influence in Hollywood.
Representatives for Sutherland and the District Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from The Independent. The LAPD confirmed their investigation is ongoing.
A Celebrity Career Under Scrutiny
Best known for his Emmy-winning portrayal of counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer in 24 and President Thomas Kirkman in Designated Survivor, Sutherland's alleged actions have once again placed his personal conduct in the spotlight. The case highlights ongoing issues of accountability and behaviour within the entertainment industry.
The court appearance next month will determine the next legal steps in a case that has drawn significant public and media attention to the veteran actor's off-screen life.
