The Memphis Grizzlies player fuelled speculation about a romance with the Diamonds hitmaker when he told TMZ Sports that he hoped their friendship could turn into a relationship, suggesting they have a future together.

However, Rihanna later took to her Instagram.com account to tackle the gossip by posting a screenshot of Barnes during his interview with the site and writing, "#bishwhere #thedevilisaliar #shesnotthatintoyou #shesnotintoyouatall #shesneverevenmetyou #thisactuallyhurtmyfeelings #defamationofcharacter (sic)."

Rihanna was recently linked to British racing driver Lewis Hamilton after she was spotted partying with him in New York City, days after enjoying a vacation together in her native Barbados.