British Publication Apologizes to David Duchovny Over Story

LONDON, U.K. --

British publication The Daily Mail has apologized to actor David Duchovny and his family for suggesting the “Californication” star engaged in a romantic relationship with a tennis coach.

In an article published last month, but now removed from the Daily Mail’s Web site, the paper alluded to a possible affair between the actor and tennis coach Edit Pakay, prompting Duchovny to file a defamation suit in Los Angeles Superior Court in late October.

On Saturday, however, the publication apologized to the star and said their original story was “inaccurate.”

“On October 19, an article about actor David Duchovny may have suggested he had an amorous relationship with a tennis coach, Edit Pakay,” the paper wrote. “We now accept this is inaccurate and Ms. Pakay and Mr. Duchovny are only friends who used to play tennis occasionally. Their relationship went no further and was not a factor in Mr. and Mrs. Duchovny’s separation. We apologize to Ms. Pakay, Mr. Duchovny and to Mr. Duchovny’s family.”

Duchovny and Tea Leoni separated in October after 11 years of marriage.

Copyright 2008 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

• PRINT