Celine Dion and her "inner circle" disputes reports her backup dancer and close confidant Pepe Munoz has too much control over her life.
Munoz, pictured with Celine in January, has been romantically linked to the star and The New York Post's Page Six gossip column claimed her friends are "freaked out" that he had too much control over her.
In an open letter to Munoz posted on Celine's Twitter account "members of her inner circle" denied the story, writing that there were no issues with Celine and the dancer.
"Dear Pepe, as the real members of Celine's 'inner circle,' we are saddened and disappointed by an untruthful story that surfaced in the media on Monday, quoting multiple sources who claim they are part of the inner circle and that you have too much influence over Celine, and that you are isolating her," the statement, originally penned in French, reads. "These 'sources' have nothing better to do than to spread untrue gossip. Don't let it get you down, and keep up the great work. We love you!"
Munoz, 34, and the "My Heart Will Go On" singer's relationship was the subject of intense speculation until she told fans he was her ghey best friend, and not her lover. They were rumored to have become close following the death of her husband of 22 years, Rene Angelil, in 2016.
Speaking about their friendship, Dion, 51, told Extra: "The thing is that he's my best friend and we dance together and he did so much for me and even just holding my hand... it's something that I haven't had for a long time... A hug from a 6' 3" man, it was wonderful... and people really thought there was a romance going on."
"He did so much for me, for my mental health, my spirituality, my strength... my inner strength," she added.
Celine's health has been a subject of concern for her fans. In paparazzi photos, she looks emaciated and frail. But she is an energetic performer in her sold out concerts.
According to Page Six, an insider close to the singer was worried about Munoz's influence on her, saying: "People are freaked out by it. He has this clique that he keeps very small. It's Celine, himself, a hair person and the stylist. That's the group - even management goes to him when they need something."
Photos by Jonathan Rebboah/News Pictures/WENN.com, Neil Lupin/WENN
