Sean Penn has reportedly filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against 'Empire' co-creator Lee Daniels. The complaint, which was filed Tuesday in New York Supreme Court, comes after a recent interview Daniels gave to The Hollywood Reporter, where he referenced Penn while speaking about Terrence Howard’s recent domestic violence lawsuit.

Sean PennSean Penn has filed a $10 million defamation lawsuit against Lee Daniels.

In the interview Daniels said, "(Howard) ain't done nothing different than Marlon Brando or Sean Penn, and all of a sudden he's some (expletive) demon. That’s a sign of the time, of race, of where we are right now in America.”

The first paragraph of Penn's complaint, obtained by USA Today reads, "As a result of Penn's status as a public figure, he has for years been the subject of scandalous, scurrilous, and baseless attacks."

More: Sean Penn & Charlize Theron Reportedly Split, Calling It Quits After 18 Months

"But Penn, like any citizen, has a right to defend himself and will no longer tolerate the reckless and malicious behavior of others, who seek to aggrandize themselves or their projects at his expense.”

“Accordingly, and because of Daniels' defamatory statements, Penn brings this action for monetary relief, and to deter Daniels and others from their defamatory actions,” the complaint continues.

More: Charlize Theron Opens Up About Sean Penn Romance, "I'm A Very, Very Lucky Girl"

The complaint goes on to say that Howard has "reportedly and publicly" admitted to physically abusing women and adds that Daniels "also seems to condone Howard's reported misconduct...Penn (unlike Howard) has never been arrested, much less convicted, for domestic violence, as his ex-wives (including Madonna) would confirm and attest.”

The suit adds that Daniels’ statements “have caused Penn great anguish and emotional distress,” and injured his “credibility and reputation in his personal life, occupation and philanthropic activities.” It is also stated that Daniels "knew or should have known that many publications would carry those statements in their headlines.” Daniels has not yet commented on the suit.