Kiefer Sutherland Likely in the Clear

It looks like Kiefer Sutherland will dodge a major bullet after his now infamous head butt and will not be prosecuted for assaulting Jack McCollough.

The reason? There is no longer a complaining witness in the case after the celebrity fashion designer privately settled his beef with the 24 star.

Figures. You do not press charges against Jack Bauer.

Kiefer Sutherland apologized to Jack McCollough, who had claimed the actor broke his nose in a scuffle at the MET Gala in New York back on May 5.

The complaint being dropped is doubly important for Sutherland as he also faced a potential probation violation, given his 2008 DUI conviction.

Accounts of what happened between Kiefer Sutherland and Jack McCullough vary, but both parties are apparently willing to put the ugly incident behind them.

"I am sorry about what happened that night and sincerely regret that Mr. McCollough was injured," Sutherland said in a statement. McCollough responded, also in a statement, "I appreciate Mr. Sutherland's statement and wish him well."

Without a complaining witness - especially in a misdemeanor case such as this one - the odds of the alleged attacker being prosecuted become very slim.

Felony charges such as, oh, criminal threats and aggravated battery are a different ball of wax. The L.A. D.A.'s case against Chris Brown will still be pursued regardless of what Rihanna does - although he is working on a plea deal.