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Following years of persistent rumors that Morgan Freeman has been romantically involved with his step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines, the actor has officially gone on the record to deny the stories as "defamatory" gossip.

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"The recent reports of any pending marriage or romantic relationship of me to anyone are defamatory fabrications from the tabloid media design to sell papers," writes Freeman in a statement released today. "What is even more alarming is that these fabrications are now being pickup by the legitimate press as well."

Rumors of the two's burgeoning romance began in 2009, claiming the incestuous affair had lasted for nearly ten years and ultimately contributed to the 74-year-old actor's 2008 divorce.

Hines, who is now 25, released an accompanying statement with Freeman denying rumors the alleged romance.

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She writes, "These stories about me and my grandfather are not only untrue, they are also very hurtful to me and my family."

E'Dena's mother, Deena, was adopted by Freeman when he wed her biological mother, Jeanette Adair Bradshaw in 1967. They divorced in 1979.