Sutherland focuses on '24' family

Reporters were asked not to discuss Kiefer Sutherland’s legal troubles at a recent advanced screening of 24's season seven finale, reports say.

The actor was in attendance at the event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to The Huffington Post.

Sutherland would only talk about his 'extended television family', and not about his recent assault charges for allegedly headbutting fashion designer Jack McCollough.

Speaking about his 24 co-stars, he said: "Well, on so many different levels, it is like a family.

"We've had, I think, 12 weddings on our show over the last seven years. I think 16 children have been born. We've lost a couple people. So all of those things really pull you together."

Sutherland, 42, was charged with third-degree assault last week after turning himself in to police. The incident may impact on his probation stemming from a drink-driving conviction in October 2007.