Louis Lombardi defends Kiefer Sutherland

More former 24 co-stars are coming to Kiefer’s defense, with Louis Lombardi (Edgar Stiles in Seasons 4 and 5) saying he was “baffled” by Freddie’s recent badmouthing. and said Kiefer Sutherland was the most professional actor.

“My experience with Kiefer was absolutely the opposite. He was one of the most professional actors I’ve ever worked with,” Lombardi tells Us Weekly exclusively. “He wanted the best out of everybody. I have nothing but great experiences with him. He’s a gentleman.”

“Maybe he was jealous, maybe Kiefer did something to him—who knows?” the actor adds about Prinze Jr. “But Kiefer’s one of the most professional and most likable people! Kiefer is the most professional actor. I’m baffled about [that] kid’s comments and baffled why he would say this years later! 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!”

During the interview with ABC News, Prinze Jr. gave an example of the treatment he took issue with. “I went and worked for Vince McMahon at the WWE for Christ’s sake and it was a crazier job than working with Kiefer,” he explained. “But, at least he was cool and tall. I didn’t have to take my shoes off to do scenes with him, which they made me do. Just put the guy on an apple box or don’t hire me next time. You know I’m 6 feet and he’s 5’4″.”

“Why’d that kid say that that’s crazy?” Lombardi tells Us of Prinze Jr.’s comments. “It’s almost like, let it go. If that’s the biggest problem that you have, to take your shoes off, I mean…”

“I hope this doesn’t turn into the Biggie and Tupac thing!” Lombardi joked of the feud between the two actors, who appeared on 24 together in 2010. “I don’t want to get gunned down in Santa Monica!”