Lorde romance rumours 'ridiculous'

Justin Warren, left appears next to Lorde on the red carpet at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards at Vector Arena in November. Photo/Getty

The man photographed on a "date" with Lorde has rubbished rumours he is romantically involved with the chart-topping singer, labeling the claims "ridiculous".

Photos released today by Woman's Day show Ella Yelich-O'Connor walking alongside Universal Music promotions director Justin Warren.

An accompanying write-up claims the pair were on a "date", having enjoyed "a cosy breakfast at popular cafe Dear Jervois, just around the corner from the $3 million villa Lorde has recently purchased".

But Warren has dismissed the claims, telling the Herald they are just good friends.

"Ella and I have worked together for years and we're good friends. Any rumours of us being 'a pair' are ridiculous.

"Ella has a really busy year ahead of her and we'll be spending more time together as plans for the next Lorde record unfold."

Lorde, 19, recently purchased her first Auckland home for $2.84 million, on the border of Herne Bay, Ponsonby and Grey Lynn.

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Warren has worked with Lorde since she was first signed to Universal Music, deciding which publications would get to interview the young talent.

He was at her side when she walked the red carpet at the New Zealand Music Awards in mid-November, which was the last time Lorde was publicly seen with former boyfriend, photographer James Lowe.

Lowe and Lorde had been dating since the start of her success, with Lowe often sharing backstage snaps of the pair on social media.

Lowe took to his blog in 2014 to detail what it was like to date Lorde, and how their lives had changed since her single Royals topped the US charts for a record nine weeks.

"My life is probably a lot different now, but it feels normal on the inside," he said.

"Jared Leto said that fame doesn't change you, it changes everyone around you. While I'm not the centre of attention here (and f***, the times I have, it's never been fun), I do become aware of the people around me and their transparency. They fail to hide it."

It's understood Lorde is currently recording her second album, the follow-up to Pure Heroine, with producer Joel Little in Kingsland.

- nzherald.co.nz