Russell Crowe Dating Rumors Denied: 'Friends, Not Lovers' With Dita Von Teese

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Russell Crowe has responded to speculation over his friendship with Dita Von Teese this week.

After reports arose that the "Les Miserables" star was dating Von Teese on Monday, the actor took to Twitter clarifying his feelings.

"@DitaVonTeese is brave, smart, sweet, and elegant," started Crowe, according to News.com.au. "She is a friend of mine. Who wouldn't want friends like that? Friends, not lovers."

The actor later deleted the post from Twitter.

The New Zealand-born actor and the famous burlesque dancer were reportedly spotted enjoying a couple's message at New York City's Four Seasons Hotel last month, according to The Sun U.K.

Rumors of the romance arose after arguably flirtatious messages were exchanged between Crowe and Von Teese last year.

The 43-year-old actor retweeted a couple of Von Teese's risqué posts, one of which included the model writing: "Giving airport security a lesson in garter belts this morning."

The Academy Award-winning actor has also been linked romantically to Billy Joel's ex-wife and cookbook writer Katie Lee, but Crowe has maintained that his two children are more important than dating right now.

"As soon as I finish this job and can get home, my priority is to try to bring my family back together," Crowe posted to Twitter in December, according to The Huffington Post.

Crowe shares his two children with ex-wife Danielle Spencer, from whom he split in October last year.

While he recently wrapped up filming the fantasy movie "Winter's Tale" in New York City, Crowe has reportedly returned to Australia in order to spend time with his children Tennyson, 6, and Charles, 8.

During Sunday's Golden Globes Awards ceremony, the actor admitted that he was at home.

"So Cool Golden Globe love for #LesMis Congrats @RealHughJackman and the amazing Anne Hathaway," he wrote, before adding, "22.25km bike ride, now taking the kids 4 pizza."

The fellow "Les Miserables" stars earned Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress and Best Actor in a Musical, respectively.