Natalie Portman Blasts Sean Penn Romance Rumors

Natalie Portman has broken her long held rule of not responding to Internet gossip to blast rampant rumors that she is having an affair with the very married — albeit separated — Sean Penn.

“Sean Penn is a friend and colleague. The reports that we are romantically involved are completely untrue,” the star of The Other Boleyn Girl said in a statment to Extra Friday. “I normally do not respond to rumors about my private life, however, this repeatedly fabricated story has forced me to do so.”