Major Controversies Surrounding Sean Penn: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Sean Penn.

Sean Penn is a celebrated American actor and film director recognized for his intense performances. He has garnered significant acclaim, including two Academy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He also received an Honorary César in 2015, solidifying his influence and contributions to the film industry.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

June 1985: Assault charges in Nashville

In June 1985, Sean Penn assaulted two journalists while they tried to photograph him and Madonna in Nashville.

October 1985: Plea in journalist assault case

In October 1985, Sean Penn pled no contest to charges that he assaulted two journalists in Nashville in June 1985 and was fined $50 on each of two misdemeanor charges of assault and battery.

January 1986: Charged for allegedly assaulting journalist in Macau

In January 1986, Sean Penn was charged for allegedly assaulting Leonel Borralho, a Macau correspondent, after he photographed Madonna and Penn.

June 1986: Charged with misdemeanor battery

In June 1986, Sean Penn was charged with misdemeanor battery for allegedly assaulting songwriter David Wolinski at Helena's nightclub in Los Angeles, who Penn accused of trying to kiss Madonna.

April 1987: Arrested for punching a film extra

In April 1987, Sean Penn violated probation and was arrested for punching a film extra, Jeffrey Klein, on the set of the movie "Colors".

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June 1987: Sentenced to jail for assault and reckless driving

In June 1987, Sean Penn was sentenced to 60 days in jail for assaulting a film extra and reckless driving. He served 33 days of the sentence and was incarcerated in the same jail holding serial killer Richard Ramirez.

January 1989: Madonna files for divorce again

In January 1989, Madonna filed for divorce from Sean Penn again and reportedly withdrew an assault complaint against him.

February 22, 2009: Academy Award for Best Actor

On February 22, 2009, Sean Penn received the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the film Milk. During his acceptance speech, he advocated for equal rights, criticizing those who opposed gay marriage.

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October 2009: Altercation with photographer

In October 2009, Sean Penn had an altercation with photographer Frank Mateljan.

March 2010: Call for imprisonment of journalists

In March 2010, Sean Penn called for the imprisonment of journalists who referred to Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez as a dictator, sparking controversy and criticism from conservative and libertarian media sources.

May 2010: Pleads no contest to misdemeanor charge

In May 2010, Sean Penn pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge stemming from an altercation with a photographer in October 2009. He was sentenced to perform 300 hours of community service and undergo 36 hours of anger management counseling.

December 2011: Verbal Fight with Maria Conchita Alonso

In December 2011, Sean Penn had a verbal altercation with actress María Conchita Alonso at an airport, during which Penn called her "a pig" and Alonso called Penn a communist, escalating their disagreements over political views.

February 2012: Comments on Falkland Islands Dispute

In February 2012, Sean Penn met with the President of Argentina, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, in Buenos Aires, commenting on the Falkland Islands dispute and advocating for dialogue to resolve the conflict.

February 2012: Criticism of Falklands Dispute Comments

In February 2012, Sean Penn's comments on the Falklands dispute were criticized by Falklands War veteran Simon Weston and British Conservative MP Patrick Mercer, who deemed his statements "moronic."

February 2012: Support for Syria

In February 2012, amidst the Syrian civil war, Sean Penn stood in support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez as Venezuela backed the government of Syria, led by Bashar al-Assad.

July 2015: Communication with El Chapo

In July 2015, communication between Kate del Castillo and Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán increased after Guzmán's escape from a Mexican prison. They discussed producing a biographical film about Guzmán.

September 16, 2015: Lee Daniels references Penn's alleged domestic violence

On September 16, 2015, director Lee Daniels referenced Sean Penn's rumored history of domestic violence in response to criticism about Terrence Howard's career.

2015: Madonna Denies Assault Allegations

In 2015, Madonna denied allegations of Sean Penn striking her during their marriage, calling them "completely outrageous, malicious, reckless, and false".

January 9, 2016: Secret Interview with El Chapo

On January 9, 2016, Rolling Stone reported that Sean Penn and actress Kate del Castillo conducted a secret interview with the Sinaloa Cartel boss Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán prior to his arrest, a day after Mexican officials announced Guzmán's capture.

May 2016: Penn drops defamation suit against Daniels

In May 2016, Sean Penn dropped his $10 million defamation suit against Lee Daniels after Daniels retracted his statement and apologized for referencing Penn's alleged domestic violence.

October 2020: Support for Armenia in Nagorno-Karabakh War

In October 2020, Sean Penn tweeted his support for Armenia in the Nagorno-Karabakh war. He also criticized Turkey's involvement in the conflict and endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.