Mario's Romance to Karina Smirnoff Denied

Fri, 28 March 2008 21:45:59 ET

Mario's Romance to Karina Smirnoff Denied
The rumors claiming that Mario was dating with his dancing partner in a dancing competition show "Dancing With The Stars" Karina Smirnoff has been slammed. According to Okmagazine.com, his dancing partner has denied the romance rumors by releasing a statement. Smirnoff told the magazine that the rumors which claimed the R 'n' B singer was dating her was not true.

According to the magazine, Smirnoff deemed her relationship with Mario as a professional relationship. She said, "I have a lot of respect for Mario, he is a great person, but there is nothing there, just a very professional relationship, that is all." However, in an interview with People magazine, she laughed off the rumors by giving a joke statement. She joked, "I told you to keep it on the DL, dude. Did you keep that window open? By the end of the show, I will be pregnant with Mario's baby!"

In the meantime, Mario also joked when he was asked to confirm his relationship status. He told People.com, "I love this woman! I love her personality! I've grown to love the person that she is, and you should feel that way about your partner!" Commenting on the singer's romance rumors, the representative for Mario has merely laughed off the rumors. The rep insisted that Mario and Smirnoff are not dating.

On the contrary, as reported by People, a source close to Mario and Smirnoff revealed that they are really romantically linked. The source said, "They're totally boyfriend and girlfriend. They went out to Eva Longoria's restaurant opening together." Another source also told Usmagazine.com, "There is definitely chemistry and a flirtation between the two."

Previously, the pair was reportedly spotted getting intimate at the Four Seasons hotel in L.A. in February 2008. The reports then sparked rumors that they were alleged to be romantically linked after becoming contestants in 'DWTS' show. Earlier, Smirnoff has also been reported to be dating her former dancing partner Mario Lopez.