Search for an article

HomeOther Then Wrestling24 TV SeriesKiefer Sutherland Rejects Claims That 24 Promoted Real-World Torture

Kiefer Sutherland Rejects Claims That 24 Promoted Real-World Torture

Published on

The 24 star defends the show after the U.S. military blames it for influencing interrogation tactics


Summary

– 24 became a massive success, making Kiefer Sutherland one of TV’s highest-paid actors

– The show faced backlash for its intense interrogation scenes, with critics arguing it promoted torture

– Sutherland dismissed claims that 24 influenced real-world war crimes, calling it a scapegoat

Kiefer Sutherland’s role as Jack Bauer in 24 redefined action television, making him one of the highest-paid actors of his time. The show’s real-time storytelling and high-stakes action captivated audiences, but its brutal interrogation scenes sparked controversy. Critics accused 24 of glorifying torture, and in 2006, the U.S. military raised concerns that the show was influencing real-life soldiers.

Brigadier Patrick Finnegan, then dean at West Point, visited the 24 sets to warn producers that young recruits saw Bauer’s interrogation tactics as legitimate. He even suggested that the show feature a storyline in which torture fails to produce results.

Sutherland rejected the idea that 24 should be blamed for real-world war crimes. Speaking to The Independent, he dismissed the accusations as absurd.

The second Finnegan made the comment public as if somehow 24 would become your excuse for Abu Ghraib… you must be kidding me. That I won’t accept. To use 24, a television show, as a scapegoat for the behavior of the United States military is asinine.

While 24 sparked debates about ethics in interrogation, Sutherland moved beyond his on-screen persona, exploring his passion for music. Encouraged by his friend Jude Cole, he launched Ironworks, an indie record label, and released his debut album, Down in a Hole, in 2016.

Despite the controversy, 24 remains one of television’s most influential series, shaping the landscape of action-packed storytelling.

$22

Latest articles

Roxanne Perez Promises to Embarrass Io Sky Ahead of WWE Raw Showdown

The Prodigy sets sights on the Women’s World Champion in must-see clash Summary - Roxanne Perez...

Joe Hendry Believes a Match with John Cena Is Destiny

TNA Champion reveals Cena’s praise and hints at major musical support Summary - Joe Hendry says...

Bayley Wants Women’s IC and U.S. Titles to Cement Grand Slam Legacy

WWE star reflects on tag title pride and calls for better division focus Summary - Bayley...

Raquel Rodriguez Vows to Hold It Down on Raw During Liv Morgan’s Absence

Rodriguez jokes she's "ready for anyone" while Morgan films in Japan Summary - Liv Morgan will...

More like this

Roxanne Perez Promises to Embarrass Io Sky Ahead of WWE Raw Showdown

The Prodigy sets sights on the Women’s World Champion in must-see clash Summary - Roxanne Perez...

Joe Hendry Believes a Match with John Cena Is Destiny

TNA Champion reveals Cena’s praise and hints at major musical support Summary - Joe Hendry says...

Bayley Wants Women’s IC and U.S. Titles to Cement Grand Slam Legacy

WWE star reflects on tag title pride and calls for better division focus Summary - Bayley...

Raquel Rodriguez Vows to Hold It Down on Raw During Liv Morgan’s Absence

Rodriguez jokes she's "ready for anyone" while Morgan films in Japan Summary - Liv Morgan will...

WWE Releases NXT Talent Over Reported “Lack of Effort” in Training

Dave Meltzer reports some stars were labeled “lazy” behind the scenes Summary - WWE cut several...

United States Title Set for High-Stakes Fatal Four-Way at WWE Backlash

Jacob Fatu defends against McIntyre, Priest, and LA Knight in St. Louis Summary - Jacob Fatu...