Actor Morgan Freeman denies the allegations going around the web that he had a romantic relationship with his step-granddaughter, claiming that all the reports are nothing but “defamatory fabrications.”

The “Lucky Number Slevin” star responded to the reports about him and E’Dena Hines dating for roughly ten years now and were allegedly planning to get married in the near future. According to the rep of 74-year-old Morgan Freeman, he maintained his silence for years in the hopes of not “dignifying these stories by commenting.” However, the actor now feels compelled to speak out after the reports were picked up by several “mainstream media” outlets.

In his statement, Morgan Freeman said, “The recent reports of any pending marriage or romantic relationship of me to anyone are defamatory fabrications from the tabloid media designed to sell papers. What is even more alarming is that these fabrications are now being picked up by the legitimate press as well.”

Freeman’s step-granddaughter, E’Dena Hines, has also issued a statement saying, “These stories about me and my grandfather are not only untrue, they are also hurtful to me and my family.”

E’Dena Hines is the granddaughter of the actor’s first wife, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw. She and Morgan Freeman are not related by blood.