Virgin boss Richard Branson has quashed rumors his son Sam is dating Australian singer Natalie Imbruglia - stating the star is just a longtime family friend. The "Torn" singer was linked to the 23-year-old heir after they were spotted cozying up at a party to celebrate Sam's planned Arctic expedition earlier this month.

But the business mogul claims the pair found the news humorous - because his son has been dating actress Isabella Anstruther-Gough-Calthorpe for a year.

Branson says, "Sam was very flattered to have his name attached to hers but he actually already has a girlfriend. He's known Natalie since he was about 15, she's a close friend of the family.

"I saw Natalie last week and she was certainly smiling about the whole situation."

-Natalie Imbruglia Pictures

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)