Rob & Kristen promote New Moon separately to avoid hassle

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart aren't undercover lovers — and to drive a stake through rumors that they are, the two are keeping a safe distance while promoting their "Twilight" sequel, "New Moon."

"They've requested to do press separately for the movie," says an insider about the film franchise's co-stars. "They really are good friends — and that's all — but they want to avoid being seen together. Any time they're photographed in the same place, the rumor mill just starts all over again, and that makes the paparazzi hound them even more.

"They requested to do things apart so the scrutiny around them will be a little less intense."

While a rep for Stewart denied she made such a request, the 19-year-old is indeed traveling only with co-star Taylor Lautner. The two were in Brazil over the weekend and landed in New Mexico yesterday. Meanwhile, Pattinson will travel through Japan with director Chris Weitz. He and Stewart won't be in the same city again until they come to the Big Apple for back-to-back appearances on the "Today" show on Nov. 18 (the opening is on the 20th).

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/11 /04/2009-11-04_twilight_duo_robert_pattin son_kristen_stewart_stay_apart_to_squash_rom ance_rumor.html#ixzz0W5Y58zOx

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2009/11 /04/2009-11-04_twilight_duo_robert_pattin son_kristen_stewart_stay_apart_to_squash_rom ance_rumor.html#ixzz0W5XGYZdW