Lee Daniels had to eat crow to avoid paying $10M. The Empire creator has apologized to Sean Penn—and agreed to donate money to a Haiti relief charity—for basically saying the actor used to beat Madonna.
In turn, Penn will drop his $10M defamation lawsuit against Daniels.
Reports Deadline:
“I am so sorry that I have hurt you, Sean, and I apologize and retract my reckless statements about you,” Daniels said today in an apology that accompanies the donation and ends the nearly 9-month war of words and writs between the two. “How thoughtless of me. You are someone I consider a friend, a brilliant actor and true Hollywood legend and humanitarian.”
“I accept Lee’s heartfelt apology and appreciate the sincerity with which it was delivered,” said Penn Wednesday in a statement of his own. “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.”
During an interview with the Hollywood Reporter in late 2015, Daniels said there was a double standard in Hollywood regarding Black actors and domestic violance; saying Terrence Howard’s alleged incidences were no different than Sean Penn’s.
The actor promptly sued Daniels for $10M over the comparison.
Added Daniels in his statement, “I too have been the subject of false attacks by others, like those made here,” theEmpire co-creator said. My most important role is as a father, and it is important to me that my children learn that it is wrong to reference gossip as fact, as I did here. That can be very damaging and hurtful.”
Watch what you say, it can hit you in the pockets.
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Photo: WENN.com
