Thornton denies branding Brangelina relationship a 'high school phase'

Washington, Jun 20 : American actor Billy Bob Thornton has denied reports that he dubbed actress Angelina Jolie's relationship with actor Brad Pitt a "high school phase".

According to an interview with AskMen.com, Thornton is said to have compared Jolie's affection for Pitt to that of a teenager with a football pro.

"She is just going through a high school phase. You know, dating the quarterback of the football team with Brad Pitt over there. She'll be waking up from that dream in no time," Contactmusic quoted him, as saying in the interview.

But 52-year-old Thornton, who had once been married to Jolie for three years, insisted that the quote was completely false, and the interview has since then been removed from AskMen.com.

When Thornton learned of his ex's pregnancy in May 08, he had sent his best wishes to both Jolie and Pitt.

"I think she was always meant to be a mother in so many ways. I'm just so happy for her. I'm happy for the kids to have a mother like her and a father like him," Thornton said.

Jolie has herself returned his good wishes in a recent interview, insisting she was "proud to be his (Thornton's) wife" and "still loves him dearly".

ANI