In 2003, Durst claimed to pair briefly dated after Spears asked him to write material for her new album. But Spears always denied the allegation, claiming at the time that she barely knew the singer.

The mystery around the pair's relationship has continued to blight their careers ever since.

In an interview with MTV, Durst described the media's reaction to the story at the time as “a fiasco of madness”.

"[But] I always stay true to my heart and true to everything I did and my intentions, and I am in no way a liar,” he said.

Since reports of their alleged romance, Spears has endured two failed marriages, while Durst has gone on to reform with Limp Bizkit.

"I look back on it as very interesting [in terms of] how things have been sort of unravelling for her since," Durst said.

"[But] it is what it is. I can sleep at night knowing I made decisions that I wanted to make. [Still], I'm a supporter. I was then, I guess I am now.”

Limp Bizkit are due to head out on a world tour this year in support of their as-yet-untitled new album.

Spears is currently touring her latest release, 'Circus', across the US.

(by Jason Gregory)