Pamela Anderson, Liam Neeson romance is real: source

As reports circulated that Pamela Anderson and Liam Neeson’s romance was nothing more than a marketing stunt, sources now insist their relationship is both pure and real.

A source told PEOPLE that earlier claims suggesting the romance was fabricated are “untrue” and that the connection between Anderson and Neeson is genuine.

“Everything between them has been genuine,” the insider confirmed. “Neither would ever take part in a publicity stunt. They have a great time together. Neither of them needs the publicity.”

Another source echoed the sentiment, adding, “Their relationship isn’t just for show. They have a real connection. There’s no incentive for either of them to stage something like this.”

These denials follow a Friday, Aug. 29 report from TMZ that alleged Anderson, 58, and Neeson, 73, had their relationship staged by publicists to align with the release of their comedy film The Naked Gun.

One insider even dismissed the claim that the pair never went on a one-on-one date, calling it “ridiculous.”

Previously, a source connected to The Naked Gun told PEOPLE on July 29 that Neeson and Anderson were in the early stages of a budding romance.

In the movie, Neeson plays L.A. police officer Frank Drebin Jr. in the revival of Leslie Nielsen’s late-’80s spoof comedies, while Anderson stars as femme fatale Beth, who becomes romantically entangled with Frank as he investigates her brother’s death.

“It’s genuine, and it’s obvious they’re smitten with each other,” the source said at the time, noting that the two were “enjoying each other’s company” while promoting the film together.

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