Stella Mouzi, the Greek model who has been spotted hanging out with Mel Gibson, is now denying claims that she and the actor are in a relationship, but to be honest who wouldn’t?

Mouzi insists that the two are close, but not in a romantic way.

“I came to the U.S. from Greece a few months ago and was charmed by the American hospitality,” says Mouzi to PEOPLE. “I made many new friends including Mel Gibson, with whom I share merely a friendly acquaintance.”

Mouzi has been described in the media as a fetish model and ‘Greek Gothic chick,’ but wants to clarify that, “I am a dancer, performance artist and a photographer – that is the extent of my professional life. It has been difficult to be the subject of false rumors, which have also been hurtful to my friends and family.”

A close friend has confirmed that Gibson, 55, is not dating anyone at the moment.