Kiefer Sutherland has released a formal apology to the man he allegedly headbutted at a party at the start of the month.

Kiefer is said to have attacked fashion designer Jack McCollough at an after-party following the Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum on 5th May. The 24 star claimed he acted after McCollough accidentally knocked Brooke Shields to the floor, and was charged with third-degree assault later a few days later. As he is already on probation following his DUI conviction in late 2007, the incident could see him returned to jail - unless the Manhattan District Attorney decides not to pursue the case.

In a joint statement released to the Associated Press, Kiefer said: “I am sorry about what happened that night and sincerely regret that Mr McCollough was injured.”

In response, McCollough replied: “I appreciate Mr Sutherland’s statement and wish him well.”

A legal expert commented: “If the men have put aside their differences and [McCollough] has no interest in seeing [Sutherland] convicted, then it’s all the more likely that the case will be dropped.

“[Prosecutors in Los Angeles] may still push for a probation violation offence but he’s probably not be sent back to jail.”

Kiefer spent 48 days in jail over New York 2007/2008 after he was discovered driving with twice the legal blood-alcohol level.