The billionaire entrepreneur and Italy's first female prime minister were pictured looking cosy at a black-tie event this week, during which Musk presented Ms Meloni with the Global Citizen Award from the Atlantic Council thinktank.

The picture from the glitzy event in New York lit up the internet, with one person captioning it: "We all know what happened next..."

But Musk, 53, replied on X, saying: "I was there with my Mom. There is no romantic relationship whatsoever with PM Meloni."

Ms Meloni, 47, had reportedly requested Musk be the person to hand her the award at Monday's event, while the tech businessman flew to Italy twice last year to meet the Italian leader - in June and December.

The tech entrepreneur heaped praise on the Brothers of Italy leader as he presented her with the award, saying she was "someone who is even more beautiful inside than outside".

He also described her as "authentic, honest and thoughtful," Politico reports.

The right-wing politician returned the compliments by saying Musk was a "precious genius".

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Ms Meloni, who has been governing since October 2022, split from her long-time partner, TV journalist Andrea Giambruno, in 2023.

The couple have an eight-year-old daughter together.

Musk was previously married to author Justine Wilson, and twice married Westworld actress Talulah Riley. He has also dated actress Amber Heard and singer Grimes.