Kiefer Sutherland refutes claims of bullying 'Stand by Me' co-stars, Internet says 'hard to believe'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: During a 'Stand by Me' reunion with co-star Jerry O'Connell, Kiefer Sutherland refuted allegations that he "bullied" his co-stars on the set of the iconic Stephen King film.

Recent social media posts have claimed that Sutherland—who portrayed Ace Merrill in the 1986 movie—used to stick to the role between takes, making Wil Wheaton, Corey Feldman, River Phoenix, and Jerry O'Connell uncomfortable.

Sutherland recently got back together with O'Connell on 'The Talk' and addressed the claims that he intimidated his co-stars in 'Stand by Me' to maintain character, per Entertainment Tonight.

Kiefer Sutherland denies 'Stand by Me' bullying claims

While the fans of the cult classic film found the reunion of Kiefer Sutherland and Jerry O'Connell on 'The Talk' on Thursday, April 11, amusing, Sutherland was questioned about his actions during the shoot.

Natalie Morales, O'Connell's co-host, questioned the '24' alum to verify a viral social media post, claiming he intimidated the movie's teenage actors to stay in character when they were off-camera.

Denying the claims, Sutherland said they were "absolutely not true," adding that he isn't the kind of actor who tries to stay in character and recalling how he grew close to his younger cast members, like River Phoenix.

"Absolutely not true," Sutherland responded. "First of all, I'm not that kind of actor and I wouldn't want to be that kind of person."

"I spent a lot of time with River Phoenix because we both played guitar, and so that was kind of an in to him," he added. "Even though I was seven years older, we were both beginning, right? And so there was a lot of discussion about, how do you develop a character? What is your process?"

Sutherland's claim was supported by O'Connell, who said he had never bullied anyone. "You were 17 when you did Stand by Me? I felt like you were like 40…I just thought you were the most grown-up person…"

"Now, I will say that Kiefer did not bully us, there was no bullying. But Kiefer, I was so scared of you," O'Connell said.

The 50-year-old daytime series host had previously commented on the viral post, ostensibly confirming that the bullying had occurred, but his remark was essentially meant in jest, as is typical of the humorous man, per TooFab.

Based on Stephen King's 1982 novella 'The Body,' the movie centers on four friends—played by the late Phoenix, O'Connell, Corey Feldman, and Wil Wheaton—who set out to find the body of a missing boy during the summer of 1959 in the hopes of becoming local heroes.

Internet reacts to Keifer Sutherland's refuting bullying claims

Following Sutherland's denial of being a bully off-camera, social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to address how they don't believe the claims, with one stating, "Hard to believe."

A second one quipped, "Omg...no way!!!!! Keifer a bully....NO WAY," while a third one added, "Says in the article Jerry said Keifer didn’t bully them."

A fourth one noted, "Who cares? It’s almost 40 years later-people change."

Others hailed the actor for his skills, ignoring 'Stand by Me' bullying claims, as one Facebook user wrote, "Kiefer has always been and will always be a gifted actor and a class act."

A second one wrote, "Why they making it seem like Jerry O'Connell said he bullied him? Jerry stated they're was no bulling but he was scared of Kiefer."

"Even if he did it was 40 dam years ago bruh people change yall do dtm fr," claimed another one.

"Kiefer is a talented actor. He was scary and hateful in Eye for an Eye, 1996," chimed in one.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.