Empire co-creator Lee Daniels apologised to Sean Penn in a statement made public on Wednesday as part of a confidential settlement in a defamation lawsuit over comments Daniels made comparing the actor to the show's star Terrence Howard, who's been repeatedly accused of domestic violence. As part of the settlement, Daniels also agreed to make a donation to Penn's charity, J/P Haitian Relief Organisation. The sum was not disclosed. Daniels said, "I am so sorry that I have hurt you Sean," adding "Domestic violence is a very serious issue. My comments were cavalier; it was not my intention to diminish the severity of the issue, but rather to express a view regarding the disparate treatment of men of colour in our national conversation." Penn said he accepted Daniels' "heartfelt" apology and appreciated "the sincerity with which it was delivered".
