– ‘Grotesque’ interview –
The meeting sparked criticism in the United States, where Republican presidential candidate Marco Rubio told ABC television that the interview was “grotesque.”
Rubio also repeated his call for Guzman to be extradited.
Journalists questioned the ethical merits of the interview.
Washington Post executive editor Marty Baron tweeted a link to a December story about the dangers and death faced by Mexican journalists, commenting: “Good moment to remember what happens to real journalists who cover Mexican drug traffickers.”
Rolling Stone posted an October 2 picture showing the Oscar-winning actor shaking hands with the moustachioed drug cartel leader.
Penn wrote that they had a seven-hour sit-down, followed by phone and video interviews.
“I supply more heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana than anybody else in the world,” Guzman said over sips of tequila. “I have a fleet of submarines, airplanes, trucks and boats.”
The White House said Guzman’s boast about his trafficking exploits “is maddening.”