HOLLYWOOD, Calif. — Karina Smirnoff is denying rumors of a blossoming romance with her “Dancing With the Stars” partner Mario.
“We have a completely professional relationship,” the dancing pro tells UsMagazine.com. “I have a lot of respect for Mario. He is a great person.”
The denial follows a report by the New York Post’s Page Six that claims Smirnoff was spotted kissing the R&B singer at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.
“They were making out by the valet with their hands all over each other, and he was whispering in her ear,” a source tells Page Six.
Mario’s rep denied the claim, telling Us, “this did not happen.”
The 30-year-old Smirnoff has been dating her previous “Mario” dance partner, 34-year-old actor Mario Lopez. A source tells People magazine that the couple’s relationship is still rock solid.
“They’re totally boyfriend and girlfriend,” the source tells People. “They went out to Eva Longoria’s restaurant [Beso] opening together.”
