Deryck Whibley Slams Avril Lavigne Split Rumor 10/15/08

Sum 41 frontman Deryck Whibley has slammed reports he and wife Avril Lavigne are on the verge of divorce.

The rocker has taken aim at U.S. tabloid National Enquirer, which earlier this week (begs13Oct08) published a story alleging the couple, who wed in 2006, have "been growing apart for months".

And the star, 28, insists he is upset that the completely fabricated story has spread around the world.

A statement released by Whibley's management firm Nettwerk Music Group reads: "For the record, we strongly deny the inference of marital problems between Avril and Deryck. We also strongly deny the National Enquirer claims of any other liaisons.

"Deryck has in fact been traveling through Asia performing with Avril as evidenced by the numerous YouTube videos."

Whibley adds: "I'm actually very surprised that so many media outlets picked this story up. Since when did the National Enquirer become a trustworthy news source?"