Los Angeles, Jan 17 : Actor Russell Crowe has dismissed reports that he is dating Dita Von Teese, insisting they are just friends.

An article in the New York Post alleged that the "Gladiator" star has struck up a friendship with Von Teese, reports femalefirst. co. uk.

But Crowe has shot down the speculation about his love life.

"Dita Von Teese is brave, smart, sweet and elegant. She is a friend of mine. Who wouldn't want friends like that? Friends, not lovers," he tweeted.

But subsequently he deleted the post. (IANS)