Natalie Portman Denies Sean Penn Romance Rumors
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Natalie Portman (AP)
Natalie Portman is firmly denying swirling rumors that she is romantically linked to "Milk" star Sean Penn, who recently filed for “legal separation” from his wife Robin Wright Penn after 13 years of marriage, E! Online reported.
"Sean Penn is a friend and colleague," E! Online quotes the 27-year-old star of the upcoming "New York, I Love You." "The reports that we are romantically involved are completely untrue. I normally do not respond to rumors about my private life, however, this repeatedly fabricated story has forced me to do so."
Several tabloid reports have claimed the two are an item after being seen together in a West Hollywood bar shortly after Penn, 48, split from Wright Penn.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Penn and Portman both served on the 2008 Cannes Film Festival jury. Portman broke off her relationship with folk rocker Devendra Banhart last year.