Kiefer Sutherland Says Rumor That He Bullied His “Stand By Me” Costars Is ‘Absolutely Not True’

When asked about a “fact” that was previously shared on social media claiming that he “picked on” his younger costars to “keep in character” as a gang member, Sutherland addressed the rumor.

“True or not true? Did you bully Jerry O’Connell?” co-host Natalie Morales jokingly asked.

“Absolutely not true,” said Sutherland, as O’Connell, 50, laughed. “First of all, I’m not that kind of actor and I wouldn’t want to be that kind of person.”

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Later in the interview, O’Connell added, “I will say, Kiefer did not bully us. There was no bullying. But, Kiefer, I was so scared of you on set!”

Directed by , Stand By Me is a coming-of-age movie that starred O’Connell, , and as a group of friends.

“I spent a lot of time with River Phoenix,” said Sutherland, who was 17 when they filmed, “because we both played guitar. So that was kind of an in to him. And we were both, even though I was seven years older, we were both beginning, right? So there was a lot of discussion about how do you develop a character? What’s your process?”

Reflecting on the movie, which he said he didn’t expect to become such a hit at the time, Sutherland said, “It’s an amazing thing because it changed our lives.”

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“There are so many fantastic actors out there that don’t get these kinds of opportunities, so it’s not something you should ever take for granted,” he added.

“When I think of my memories of Stand By Me they’re so fond, because it was the beginning of living out a dream. Stand By Me is always gonna be that for me,” Sutherland said.

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