Empire co-creator Lee Daniels and Sean Penn (who is not an Empire co-creator) have sorted out their legal scuffle with a pretty simple practice. An apology. Or Lee Daniels’ The Apology if we’re in the mood to title it.
On the off-chance you haven’t been keeping up with Sean Penn legal news, the actor sued Daniels for $10 million last year over comments he made in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. Daniels addressed the subject of Empire star Terrence Howard being rumored to have a reduced part in the show over his behavior and history of having his name attached to domestic violence incidents. What does this have to do with Penn? Daniels suggested that there was a double standard when it comes to white actors being given a pass for their behavior. He cited Sean Penn as an example of how this operates.
“[Howard] ain’t done nothing different than Marlon Brando or Sean Penn, and all of a sudden he’s some f*ckin’ demon. That’s a sign of the time, of race, of where we are right now in America.”
Penn did not care for that characterization; he filed a defamation suit against Daniels that stated he “has never been arrested, much less convicted, for domestic violence, as his ex-wives (including Madonna) would confirm and attest.” That suit has now been settled courtesy of an apology from Daniels and a donation to Penn’s J/P Haitian Relief Organization.
Daniels shared in his apology that he was “wrong to reference gossip as fact” and noted that he had been “cavalier” in the way he spoke about domestic abuse. The Precious director says he would like to take back his previous statements about Penn.
“I am so sorry that I have hurt you, Sean, and I apologize and retract my reckless statements about you. How thoughtless of me. You are someone I consider a friend, a brilliant actor and true Hollywood legend and humanitarian.”
Penn also issued his own statement on the settlement being reached and expressed that he valued the genuine sentiment in Daniels’ apology.
“I accept Lee’s heartfelt apology and appreciate the sincerity with which it was delivered. I also accept and appreciate his generous donation to J/P HRO, which will have a transformative effect on the lives of those we serve in Haiti.”
We’d suggest this might open the door a teeny-tiny bit for a Sean Penn guest spot on Empire, but Penn’s “whoa whoa whoa, don’t compare me to Terrence Howard” lawsuit probably eliminates that possibility.
(via The Wrap)
