Mea Culpa's in the Mail Over Duchovny Affair Story

British tabloid apologizes for October article that claimed the actor had cheated on his wife with a tennis pro

David Duchovny's lawyer answered the phone and it was London calling—with an apology.

Britain's Daily Mail on Monday printed a retraction and apologized for an Oct. 19 article which claimed the Californication star had carried on an adulterous relationship with a tennis instructor, a woman who duly denied being any more than friends with the actor.

"On October 19, an article about actor David Duchovny may have suggested he had an amorous relationship with a tennis coach, Edit Pakay," read the statement in today's print and online editions.

"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."

It's unclear whether any damages will be exchanging hands as well, in light of the $1 million defamation lawsuit the now-separated Duchovny filed Oct. 22 in response to the error-riddled report.

Pakay also signed a declaration for the former X Files believer's legal camp stating that at no time did the two share romantic feelings.

Duchovny also confirmed last month that he and Téa Leoni had split up after more than 11 years of marriage, which included his recent sojourn in rehab to treat a sex addiction.