When a leading daily decided to write a speculative piece about Arjun Rampal having an alleged affair with Hrithik Roshan’s ex wife, Sussanne Khan, little did they realize that the news item would make the actor hop mad with immense fury. The rogue report said, “A star wife close to all three revealed Mehr apparently found that out that despite their repeated denials, the friendship between Arjun and Sussanne ran deeper. The two allegedly travelled overseas during the same period and when abroad, they spent quality time with each other. While Sussanne and Arjun once again maintained that there was nothing to it, according to a model friend of Mehr’s, this time around, she was apparently in no mood to play along.” The above article made Arjun see red. Lashing out at the leading daily for indulging in yellow journalism, Arjun tweeted with rage, “Bombay Times, who paid you? Who are these faceless accusers? If you have the guts reveal them first. Stay away from me and my family.” Folks from the industry soon tweeted their support in favour of Arjun. Wrote Hrithik, “If u people knew hw much false news is printed, d papers wud actually stop selling. I am disgusted 2day.. But powerful good people know how 2walk their truth no matter what...” The usually reticent Sussanne too released a press note to clarify her stance. Her statement read as follows: “It is with great disappointment I have read Meena Iyer’s article today, titled, “Is Arjun to blame for the Mehr-Sussanne friendship taking a severe beating.” This piece is an example of speculation and rumor mongering. Not the slightest effort was made to reach me to ask for my inputs into an article that deals with my life. Arjun and Mehr are friends and have been for years. To poison a relationship such as this is malicious behavior. I have, with Mehr, earlier stated in the same paper that there is no truth to the claim that Arjun and I are anything more than friends. I have begun a new phase in my life with hopes and expectations. As I work to establish and grow my work I am fully concentrated on my career. Today, my time and energy is completely consumed by my children and my work. My family, who have been beyond supportive, are now the foundation of my life. I never was and am not an idle Bollywood wife who has all the time in the world to spread canards and lies that damage relationships and lives. My heart goes out to Arjun and Mehr who are needlessly being drawn into this. I appeal to all responsible members of the press to look at this in a fair manner. I have emerged stronger and focused and I pray that better judgment prevails in all those who wish to create a scandal where there is none.” It may well be remembered that when Hrithik separated from his wife last year, fingers were pointed at Arjun and his proximity to Sussanne. But all parties involved issued denials and the matter died a natural. Looks like this piece of gossip item has only opened the can of unwanted worms.