Brooke Shields Issues Statement on 'Concerned Gentleman' Kiefer Sutherland

There's just something about Brooke Shields: all too often, the actress seems to be pulled against her will into pop culture maelstroms involving other, more belligerent stars. Still, at least when Shields was randomly dissed by Tom Cruise way back when, no one got arrested for it (yet!). Her status as unfortunate bystander/muse to the Kiefer Sutherland headbutt heard 'round the fashion world may prove trickier to navigate, and Shields took tentative steps toward a side today in a statement.

Here's the full text, issued by her attorney Gerald Lefcourt:

"A number of statements have been attributed to Ms. Shields in the media that are neither true nor authorized. These statements were obviously made by those who were not in attendance at the party and constitute their version of events. While at the party she was bumped into by Jack McCollough and Kiefer Sutherland became concerned. Kiefer has always been a gentleman in her company. Both Jack and Kiefer are friends of Ms. Shields and she regrets this unfortunate situation."

Is Shields contradicting her own rep, who previously said that nothing had happened to the actress at the party? Certainly, despite the statement's measured neutrality, Shields has very conspicuously thrown Sutherland a character assist.

(By the way: what of the feather boa, Brooke? What of the feather boa?)

· Brooke Shields: "Kiefer Has Always Been a Gentleman" [Us]