Morgan Freeman denounces spurious claims that he is marrying his granddaughter.

The 74-year-old Hollywood legend has confirmed to TMZ that he is not dating his 27-year-old step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines.

The rumour about their illicit romance and clandestine engagement has been circulating in the media for at least a month.

Morgan dismisses the speculation as gossip that is phony to the core.

"The recent reports of any pending marriage or romantic relationship of me to anyone are defamatory fabrications from the tabloid media designed to sell papers," Morgan told the website in a statement.

"What is even more alarming is that these fabrications are now being picked up by the legitimate press as well."

E'Dena is also extremely dismayed by how the rumour has impacted her life.

"These stories about me and my grandfather are not only untrue, they are also hurtful to me and my family," she said.

E'Dena is the granddaughter of Morgan's first wife Jeanette Adair Bradshaw from whom he divorced in 1979.