Kiefer Sutherland's 24 co-star Louis Lombardi says he's "one of the most professional actors ever".
Lombardi's comments come after Freddie Prinze Jr. launched an astonishing attack against Kiefer on Monday, admitting the actor's supposedly unprofessional attitude on the set of 24 in 2010 nearly caused him to quit acting.
"I did 24, it was terrible. I hated every moment of it," Prinze Jr. said at Comic-Con while promoting his new series Star Wars Rebels. "Kiefer was the most unprofessional dude in the world. That's not me talking trash, I'd say it to his face, I think everyone that's worked with him has said that.
"I just wanted to quit the business after that," he said. "So, I just sort of stopped."
But Lombardi, who starred as Edgar Stiles on the hit television series, insists he has no idea where Prinze Jr. is coming from.
"My experience with Kiefer was absolutely the opposite. He was one of the most professional actors I've ever worked with," Lombardi told Us Weekly.
"He wanted the best out of everybody. I have nothing but great experiences with him. He's a gentleman."
Lombardi also speculated that perhaps Prinze Jr.'s attack stems from his envy of Sutherland.
"Maybe he was jealous, maybe Kiefer did something to him - who knows?" Louis added. "But Kiefer's one of the most professional and most likable people! Kiefer is the most professional actor.
"I'm all for Kiefer. I think he's a great dude and I have nothing but love for him. Everyone loves him, all the actors around him, the crew. Everyone!"
Following Prinze Jr.'s attack, a representative for Sutherland hit back at his former co-star's claims.
"Kiefer worked with Freddie Prinze Jr. more than five years ago, and this is the first he has heard of Freddie's grievances," Kiefer's representative said. "Kiefer enjoyed working with Freddie and wishes him the best."
A source at Fox, who broadcasted all nine series of the show including the most recent 24: Live Another Day, also insisted that Prinze Jr's claims are entirely untrue.
"Kiefer was nothing but professional during the run of the show and is beloved by cast and crew," the Fox source told TMZ.com.
- Cover Media
