Disney has denied reports that the company intends to sell on the distributing rights for Mel Gibson's latest film Apocalypto in the wake of the negative publicity currently surrounding him.

Fox News recently claimed to have received a tip from an insider that the studio was quietly looking to offload the project, with independent company Lions Gate being eyed as the favourite candidate for the job.

However, Disney has categorically denied the story. Spokesperson Heidi Trotta told TMZ the information is "absolutely not true".