NEW YORK —  A publicist for Brad Pitt (search) has denied a magazine report of a romance with Angelina Jolie (search), claiming the story was "completely untrue."

In its April 18 issue, Us Weekly proclaims on its cover, "It's True!" over separate photos of Pitt, 41, and the 29-year-old Jolie. In an article inside, Us quotes employees of a California hotel who claim they saw the two actors being affectionate.

"This particular story is completely untrue," Pitt's publicist, Cindy Guagenti, said in a statement to syndicated entertainment show "Access Hollywood" for a report that aired Thursday.

"Because these tabloids are making so much money, and yes, I consider Us Weekly a tabloid, they go to great lengths to corroborate their stories, whether they are true or not," the statement said.

Jennifer Aniston (search) recently filed for divorce from Pitt after 4 1/2 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple announced their separation in a joint statement in January.

Tabloids have speculated for months about a romance between Pitt and Jolie, co-stars of the upcoming movie "Mr. and Mrs. Smith."

Us Weekly stood by its story, which includes a representative of Pitt denying the interaction, saying, "Brad stayed on one side of the property and Angelina was on the other."

In a statement to The Associated Press Thursday, the magazine said: "Pitt has long denied stories involving his personal life, beginning with reports of trouble in his marriage to Jennifer Aniston prior to the separation. Multiple sources both on and off the record confirmed Pitt and Jolie were physically affectionate in public areas of the resort where they were staying."