Paul Newman’s friend and business partner, A.E. Hotchner, denies telling the Associated Press that the screen legend is fighting an unknown form of cancer.

Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor in the 1958 film Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

“I saw him last week and he seemed fine,” AE said Wednesday. “I have no knowledge of any diagnosis or doctors…..The AP misquoted me. I have no knowledge of Mr. Newman being treated for any illness.”

In a Wednesday morning report on Newman’s rumored battle with terminal cancer, the Associated Report quoted A.E as saying:

“I know that it’s a form of cancer. It’s a form of cancer and he’s dealing with it.”

The Associated Press says it will not issue a retraction, adding “We stand by our story.”