Billy Bob Thornton has hit back at reports suggesting he's to blame for the breakdown of Tea Leoni's marriage to David Duchovny - insisting he and the actress are just pals.

The pair became close while shooting their new movie Manure, leading Internet gossips to link them romantically when news of Duchovny and Leoni's split hit the headlines on Wednesday.

But Thornton, who was recently described by Leoni as "maybe my new favorite person in the world", refutes rumors that his relationship with the actress is anything more than platonic.

A representative for the star says, "Billy and Tea are friends."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)