Sean Penn is taking a shot at Lee Daniels — in court.
The “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” actor has filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against the “Empire” creator over comments he made in an interview.
The comments — deemed “reckless, false and defamatory” by the suit — came as Daniels discussed the troubles of “Empire” star Terrence Howard, who’s been plagued by allegations of physical abuse against women.
“That poor boy, [Terrence] ain’t done nothing different than Marlon Brando or Sean Penn, and all of a sudden he’s some f—in’ demon,” the lawsuit quotes Daniels as saying. “That’s a sign of the time, of race, of where we are right now in America.”
“Daniels falsely equates Penn with Howard, even though, while he has certainly had several brushes with the law, Penn (unlike Howard) has never been arrested, much less convicted, for domestic violence, as his ex-wives (including Madonna) would confirm and attest,” the lawsuit reads.
The complaint goes on to claim that Daniels’ statements “have caused Penn great anguish and emotional distress and have exposed him to pre-judgments and false judgments, which have injured Penn’s credibility and reputation in his personal life, occupation and philanthropic activities.”
Penn is seeking general and special damages “not less than” $10 million.
Pamela Chelin contributed to this report.