Showbiz

Sean Penn 'didn't want serious relationship'

Published Wednesday, Jun 8 2011, 23:31 BST | By Tom Eames | Add comment

Sean Penn reportedly ended his romance with Scarlett Johansson as he was not ready for a "serious" relationship.

Penn, 50, began dating Johansson, 26, in February soon after the actress separated from husband Ryan Reynolds.

The Mystic River actor didn't want to start a new long-term relationship after his 14-year marriage to Robin Wright ended last year, according to a friend.

They told Us that "Scarlett pursued him".

At Spike TV's Guys Choice Awards last week, Johansson was spotted with Penn on various occasions.

"She pushed herself into his conversations. She sat down between him and Robert De Niro. Robert was like 'What?' and made a face," a witness told the magazine.

"A photographer asked for a shot. Before Sean could say no, she said yes."

Johansson reportedly wants to remain friends with Penn following their break-up.