Jenny Lewis hits out at Sean Penn in poem: “Why wouldn’t Hollywood men date their daughter’s friends”

The singer-songwriter took a dig at the star for dating 'Emily In Paris' actress Valeria Nicov, who is 35 years younger

Rilo Kiley‘s Jenny Lewis has roasted actor Sean Penn in a new poem.

• READ MORE: Jenny Lewis on touring with Harry Styles, a new album and Rilo Kiley reunion rumours: “I’ve got a lot on my plate!”

The singer-songwriter took a dig at the One Battle After Another star for dating Emily In Paris actress Valeria Nicov, who is 35 years younger than Penn. The couple have been dating for two years.

In the post on X, Lewis wrote: “i respect sean penn / why wouldn’t hollywood men date their daughter’s friends.”

Penn is yet to respond to her poem.

i respect sean pennwhy wouldn’t hollywood men date their daughter’s friends

— jenny lewis (@jennylewis) January 17, 2026

It comes after Lewis recently marked her 50th birthday in unusual fashion – by marrying her dog earlier this month.

According to Stereogum, Morgan Nagler and Farmer Dave Scher performed at the nuptials, while Lewis sang the Postal Service’s ‘Such Great Heights’ alongside Ben Gibbard and Phantom Planet’s ‘California’ with Alex Greenwald for guests at the wedding party.

Later taking to social media to share pictures of her vintage white dress and birthday cake, Lewis shared news with fans by declaring: “i married my dog for my 50th birthday…BLESS!”.

Sean Penn and Valeria Nicov CREDIT: Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

She went on to repost well wishes from fans, one of whom wished the couple “Muzzle Tov”.

Last year, Rilo Kiley took the ‘Sometimes When You’re On, You’re Really Fucking On Tour’ across the US, marking their first extended run of shows since 2008, although they did play a one-off gig for a livestream benefit in 2021.

The final date in the run came on October 18 at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, and saw Waxahatchee – aka Katie Crutchfield – serve as the opening act, having been a self-confessed superfan of the group.

Together, they sang ‘With Arms Outstretched’, a fan favourite track from Rilo Kiley’s second album ‘The Execution Of All Things’, released in 2002.

Penn meanwhile, previously responded to Madonna‘s comments calling him the “love of her life”.

• Related Topics
• Emily in Paris
• Indie
• Jenny Lewis
• One Battle After Another
• Rilo Kiley
• Sean Penn

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