In a candid interview with the New York Times, Sean Penn has firmly denied long-standing rumors that he once assaulted his ex-wife, pop icon Madonna, with a baseball bat. The allegations, which have persisted for decades, claimed that the actor's violent behavior led to a SWAT team intervention at his residence.

Recalling the incident, Penn said, "I said: 'I'm not coming out. I'm going to finish my breakfast.' The next thing I knew, windows were being broken all around the house and they came in. They had me in handcuffs." This dramatic account highlights the severity with which the authorities approached the situation, despite the allegations being unfounded.

The rumors of domestic violence between Penn and Madonna, who were married from 1985 to 1989, have painted a turbulent picture of their relationship. Despite their rocky past, both have addressed these allegations in recent years, seeking to set the record straight.

Madonna herself has publicly denied the claims of abuse. She stated, "Although we had more than one argument during our marriage, Sean has never tied me up or physically assaulted me. Any report to the contrary is completely outrageous, malicious, reckless, and false."

Penn echoed these sentiments in his interview, expressing ongoing affection for his former spouse. "She's someone I love," he remarked, underscoring that their bond remains intact despite their divorce. He added that repairing a friendship post-divorce can be more straightforward without children involved, contrasting his experience with Madonna to his more complex relationship with ex-wife Robin Wright.

The couple's tumultuous relationship and subsequent divorce have been a focal point of media scrutiny. However, their interactions in recent years suggest a mutual effort to move beyond past controversies. In 2016, Penn and Madonna reunited at a charity gala at Art Basel in Miami to support the African nation of Malawi. The event saw Madonna auctioning off memorabilia and art collections to raise funds.

During the gala, Madonna even joked about their past relationship, saying she was still in love with Penn and would consider marrying him again if he bid $150,000. This light-hearted moment highlighted the pair's ability to reconcile and support each other's charitable endeavors despite their history.

The interview also shed light on Penn's broader reflections on his relationships and the challenges of maintaining amicable ties post-divorce. He mentioned the difficulties he faced in repairing his relationship with Wright, primarily due to the presence of their children, which added layers of complexity and drama.

Penn's revelations come at a time when public figures are increasingly addressing past controversies to clarify misconceptions and reclaim their narratives. His firm denial of the abuse allegations against Madonna aims to put to rest one of the most persistent and damaging rumors of his career.

As public discourse continues to evolve around issues of domestic violence and celebrity relationships, Penn's statements contribute to a broader understanding of the nuances involved. His and Madonna's mutual denials of the allegations serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing and dispelling false narratives that can perpetuate harm.