Portman denies Penn romance rumor

LOS ANGELES, May 15 (UPI) -- Israeli-born U.S. actress Natalie Portman Friday denied rumors she is dating actor Sean Penn, who recently separated from his wife of 13 years.

"Sean Penn is a friend and colleague," Portman said in a statement to TV's "Extra."

"The reports that we are romantically involved are completely untrue," she said. "I normally do not respond to rumors about my private life, however, this repeatedly fabricated story has forced me to do so."

Penn has won Oscars for his work in the films "Mystic River" and "Milk."

Portman's credits include "Beautiful Girls," the three most recent "Star Wars" movies, "Cold Mountain," "Closer," "Garden State" and "The Other Boleyn Girl."