Rapper Drake denies Rihanna romance

Rapper Drake has dismissed speculation that he is romancing Rihanna.

The Canadian-born star, real name Aubrey Graham, had reportedly been seen kissing Rihanna in a New York bowling alley last week, following her split from R&B singer Chris Brown.

Speaking on New York's Hot 97 radio station yesterday, he said: "It's not like that at all. I'm being honest. [She's] just a friend, that's all. A great artist."

Graham, 22, added that he was "honoured" to have been linked to the 'Disturbia' star because he had "the most respect for her".

Earlier this month, Transformers star Shia LaBeouf admitted that he had once enjoyed a date with Rihanna but that the relationship did not work because "the spark wasn't there".