It seems as Lee Daniels words may have gotten him in a bit of trouble, as he was forced to apologize to Sean Penn after a settlement was anounced of the actor's defamation lawsuit against the director. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the Empire creator issued an apology letter along with a donation to one of Penn's charities.

"I am so sorry that I have hurt you, Sean, and I apologize and retract my reckless statements about you," he wrote. "How thoughtless of me. You are someone I consider a friend, a brilliant actor and true Hollywood legend and humanitarian."

The Oscar-winning actor filed a defamation lawsuit against Daniels last year after learning he compared his legal troubles to that of Terrence Howard's. According to Penn, Daniels' claims were all false, including his inclination that he hit women. Back in December, the actor's ex-wife Madonna said in a statement that allegations claiming he abused her are "completely outrageous, malicious, reckless and false."

The director's lawyers sought a dismissal on the grounds that his comments were protected speech.

"I too have been the subject of false attacks by others, like those made here," Daniels continued. "My most important role is 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... Domestic violence is a very serious issue. My comments were avalier; it was not my intention to diminish the severity of the issue, but rather to express a view rearding the disparate treatment of men of color in out national conversation."

In response to Daniels' words, Penn released a statement of his own, accepting his apology: "I accept Lee's heartfelt apology and appreciate the sincerity with which it was delivered," he said. "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."

Watch Empire favorite Taraji P. Henson make Golden Globe history in the BET Breaks video, above.