BEIJING, May 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Natalie Portman has rubbished rumours that she was romantically linked to Sean Penn, saying: “Sean Penn is a friend and colleague and the reports that we are romantically involved are completely untrue.”

Several tabloids and gossip columns claimed that the 48-year-old reigning Best Actor and Portman have hooked up after Penn filed for a legal separation from his wife of 13 year, Robin Wright Penn.

    "Sean Penn is a friend and colleague," the 27-year-old actress said in a statement to Usmagazine Friday.

    "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."