Kiefer Sutherland Beats Movieline to the After-Party Joke

We must confess, we were a little worried there for a while about the implications of the Kiefer Sutherland Headbutt -- after all, it's a misdemeanor assault that broke designer Jack McCullough's nose, and the 24 actor is currently on parole. But hey! Looks like we're getting the go-ahead to laugh now, and Sutherland is taking his cues from aggression muse Brooke Shields, who parlayed her role in the incident to a "Look how fun I am!" guest spot on The View.

THR's James Hibberd reports from the Fox upfront presentation, where Sutherland was greeted by a huge roar from the audience before launching into a touching/self-deprecating speech:

"This the first time in I don't know how many times I'll have the opportunity to say the things I've wanted to say...I'm going to try to explain to you what 24 has meant to me. Its the greatest experience I've had so far in my career. That you have allowed us to grow you have allowed us to change ..you have supported us..we have been doing the show for eight years. We've had 15 children on our show .. you've helped me become part of a family."

He then adds, "I hear this after party is going to be a good one. I'll be looking for you at the bar" [big laugh]...

It's funny because it's true.

· Fox upfront presentation live blog [THR]