The following, before the ###, is a statement released by Elle Macpherson through a publicist Monday.

LONDON, /PRNewswire/ –‚ ‚  Miss Macpherson emphatically denies that there is any romantic association between her and Mr Brian Burgess.

Miss Macpherson is disappointed her friendship with Mr Burgess has been so casually misrepresented for commercial sensationalism. Furthermore Miss Macpherson has a reasonable expectation of privacy in relation to her personal life; in the absence of a romantic element, the publication of the photograph and the innuendo created by it is a gross interference of Miss Macpherson’s rights.

Miss Macpherson is aware of Mr Burgess’s past conduct and also that Mr Burgess has and continues to take significant steps towards restoring his life.

Any continued misrepresentation or invasion of privacy is likely to be the subject of legal proceedings.”

Source: Alexander Carter-Silk, Speechly Bircham

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Burgess, 56, is a British businessman and a reported convicted drug smuggler. European tabloids have been pumping up a possible relationship since a photo emerged of the pair together.