(CNN) -- The first hint something was amiss was the knock on the door from a television reporter. Elaine McClain and her husband, David McClain, of Sanford, Florida, were not expecting a journalist to drop by looking for George Zimmerman, the man who says he fatally shot an unarmed teenager in self-defense. The death of Trayvon Martin has sparked strong reactions across the country, and those sentiments made their way to the unassuming McClains. The next day, a letter arrived with "Taste the rainbow" written on the envelope in felt-tip pen. That is the slogan for Skittles candy. When he was shot, Martin was carrying Skittles candy and a can of iced tea he had purchased from a nearby convenience store.
@highlight
NEW: Director Spike Lee apologizes to couple and will pay costs of their leaving home
@highlight
Lee retweeted an address identified as George Zimmerman's
@highlight
It was the wrong address, and the family left their home to escape harassment
@highlight
The couple sought a personal apology and retraction from Lee
The McClains have a son whose middle name is @placeholder and whose last name is Zimmerman, but he has no connection with the controversy.
We asked Mr. @placeholder to do the right thing and he did."