Rihanna

Rihanna & Chris Brown: 'Like Brother & Sister!'

03/31/2008 at 05:40 PM EDT

Still living down persistent rumors that she and Chris Brown are an item, Rihanna insists, "We are best friends, honestly, like brother and sister."

Speaking to MTV News at Saturday's Kids' Choice Awards, the Girls Gone Bad singer and philanthropist, 20, said, "I won't say that we're just friends – me and Chris are really best, best friends.

"We both started our careers around the same time. He is one of the only people in the industry ... I trust and hang out with all the time."

And just so there's no question, she added, "If he was a boyfriend, I would say that."

Brown joined in, too, saying: "They keep asking me, 'What's the deal?' I'm like, 'There's no deal. No deal.' We're just friends."

As it is, Brown doesn't seem ready to settle down with that special someone. Asked what he does to help thwart speculation about his personal life, the "Run It!" singer, 18, replied: "Be yourself – and see as many girls as possible!"
– Stephen M. Silverman

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