Wood downplays Manson break-up rumors

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Evan Rachel Wood says rumors she and singer Marilyn Manson broke up over a conflict involving her brother are untrue.

The "Thirteen" star told People magazine exclusively that her brother, Ira, was not the cause for her split from the "Antichrist Superstar" singer.

"Manson and I both decided to take some time apart so we could concentrate on work. Someone used that opportunity to kick us while we were down and sell a completely false story," the 21-year-old actress said.

Wood added that Manson, 39, had been nothing but supportive to her and her brother prior to the couple's break-up, the magazine reported Friday.

"Manson owns the house he lives in. My brother has never stayed there and the person that said such horrible things about Manson being 'controlling' and 'emotionally abusive' is certainly no source 'close' to me," Wood said.

People said Wood and Manson began dating last December.