Scarlett Johansson Denies Del Toro Lift Romp 5/15/08

Scarlett Johansson has laughed off rumors she had a steamy encounter in a lift with actor Benicio Del Toro - insisting the raunchy tale was just a joke.

The pair was the subject of scandal following the 2004 Oscars ceremony after Johansson failed to deny rumors they enjoyed a romp at a post-awards bash at Los Angeles' Chateau Marmont hotel. But the Lost In Translation star insists the rumor started after a provocative quote was taken out of context by a reporter - and admits the hotel's lift is too small for sexual activity.

She tells Britain's OK magazine, "I never had sex with Benicio Del Toro in an elevator. It was a sarcastic quote that I unfortunately gave to a journalist and it was taken out of context. "If you've ever been to the Chateau Marmont elevator, you'll know you can barely stand, let alone do anything like that. But I'm not one for sex in public places - save it for the bedroom."