Phillippe denies cheating on Witherspoon

'Crash'

Ryan Phillippe has denied that there was anyone else involved in his split with ex-wife Reese Witherspoon.

The couple separated in October 2006 after seven years amid rumours that Phillippe had cheated with Australian actress Abbie Cornish.

However, he insisted that there was no truth in the claims, telling W magazine: "It was unfair for her to be called the names that she was, because it wasn't about that.

"I don't think an outside person can ever cause a divorce. I had difficulties in my relationship, and in my marriage, long before I ever met her."

He dismissed speculation that he and Cornish are now an item, saying: "As far as I'm concerned, it's a friendship and we are getting to know each other in a really difficult situation."

The 33-year-old recently admitted that he considered suicide after the split.