Sydney  - Retired Australian swimmer Ian Thorpe has denied he is in a sexual relationship with Brazilian housemate Daniel Mendes.

"Over the last few days there have been a series of press articles published, speculating about my friendship with Daniel Mendes," the five-time Olympic gold medallist said in a statement published Friday.

"In the past, on several separate occasions, I have answered questions about my sexuality openly and honestly with the media ... my situation in this regard has not changed."

Thorpe, 26, referred reporters to remarks in an interview he gave shortly after his retirement in 2007 - comments that offended the gay community because they likened homosexuality to an illicit activity.

Thorpe said then that "the gay speculation, along with when I was accused of taking drugs in 2000, was an attempt to pull me down from the top."

Mendes, 23, and Thorpe are both university students in Sydney and have shared a house for the past three years. (dpa)