‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ actor Nicholas Brendon arrested in Idaho amid comic con event

BOISE, Idaho – An actor best known for his role in the television series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” is apologizing for actions that led to his arrest in a hotel lobby in southwest Idaho.

Nicholas Brendon, who played Xander Harris on the hit show that ran from 1997 to 2003, said Monday on Facebook that he erred by mixing prescribed pain medication and alcohol.

“The result was embarrassing and unacceptable,” he wrote. “I intend to seek appropriate treatment and therapy for my medical ailments as well as my emotional demons.”

He said the physical pain came from a cyst behind his kneecap, but he didn’t elaborate on the cause of the emotional demons.

Brendon was participating in the Tree City Comic Con at a Boise expo centre where fans could have a photo taken with him for $40 and get his autograph for $30.

Boise officers took the 43-year-old actor into custody after responding to a disturbance around 9:30 p.m. Friday. Brendon faces misdemeanour charges of resisting officers and malicious injury to property.

Police say Brendon showed signs of being intoxicated and refused to remain seated while officers spoke with witnesses. Hotel officials say Brendon broke a decorative dish and they want to press charges. Authorities in a statement Saturday said Brendon was booked in the Ada County Jail and released after posting bond.

“During this difficult time, I appreciate understanding as I pursue rehabilitation — and I value support as I earn redemption with my family, friends, and fans,” Brendon wrote in the statement confirmed as his by his booking agent, Kahmeela Adams, in an email to The Associated Press.

This was the first year for the Tree City Comic Con that besides Brendon drew an array writers, illustrators and other actors, including John Rhys-Davies who was Gimli in “Lord of the Rings,” Nichelle Nichols who played Lt. Uhura in “Star Trek: The Original Series,” and Verne Troyer, who played Mini Me in “Austin Powers.”

Event organizers didn’t return a phone call from the AP on Monday.