Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone has denied claims that an argument over his Rottweiler Dwight was the reason for his divorce with wife Jennifer Flavin.
Stallone and Flavin have decided to split after 25 years of marriage following "heated arguments" over the Rocky actor's insistence on getting a new dog as protection for the family, something former model Jennifer, 54, did not want, according to TMZ. However, Stallone set the record straight on Wednesday evening when he put an abrupt end to those rumours.
The 76-year-old actor told the American tabloid website: "We did not end the relationship on such a trivial argument."
He added: "We just went in different directions. I have the highest respect for Jennifer. I will always love her. She's an amazing woman. She's the nicest human being I've ever met."
Jennifer filed divorce documents in Florida on Friday, according to TMZ, after weeks of speculation their marriage was on the rocks and she has allegedly requested sole domain over their home in Palm Beach ahead of the divorce proceedings.
As well as handing the Rocky actor divorce papers, Jennifer has also reportedly accused the actor of moving assets from their shared marital funds.
A statement through Stallone’s publicist had earlier confirmed the news of the separation, which read: "I love my family. We are amicably and privately addressing these personal issues."
Speculation of the couple's struggles were heightened after a tattoo on the Hollywood actor's right arm, which depicted Jennifer, was covered over by his dog from Rocky, Butkus. His publicist, Michelle Bega, insisted all was well and he had wanted to update his tattoo.
"Mr Stallone intended to refresh the tattoo image of his wife Jennifer however, the results were unsatisfactory and, unfortunately, unfixable," she said. "As a result, he had to cover the original image with a tattoo of his dog from Rocky, Butkus.
"Mr Stallone loves his family. The Stallones are presently filming a reality show together which will debut on Paramount+."
It is reported that the behind-the-scenes series of the Stallone family is towards the climax of filming, with nine of the 10 episodes alleged to have been recorded. However with the news of their impending divorce, those plans have been thrown into doubt about whether they will ever be aired.
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