Mom denies rumors that Aguilera's dating her son

Despite reports painting them as a couple, the recently separated Christina Aguilera is not dating Matt Rutler, a production assistant on her upcoming film "Burlesque," says Rutler's mother.

"I can tell you that they are absolutely not dating," mom Kathleen told RadarOnline.com Monday. "They are friends, but nothing more than that. Right now Christina needs a shoulder to cry on and an ear to listen to her problems, and that is exactly what Matthew is doing."

Both People and Us Monday claimed that Aguilera, 29, has been seeing Rutler.

People's source acknowledged the relationship is "not serious yet, but it's something she is exploring and finding comfort in." While the Us source likewise says "she's not looking to jump into a relationship right now," that person also notes "They've been on a few dates over the last few weeks."

Other sources claim Aguilera has been dating Good Charlotte guitarist Benji Madden - twin brother of the band's singer, Joel Madden, the fiance of Aguilera's friend Nicole Richie.

"She talks about Benji incessantly. And when she does, her eyes really light up!" an unnamed "longtime Aguilera pal" told Chicago Sun-Times columnist Bill Zwecker over the weekend. "This is the first time in a long time I've seen Christina really happy . . . laughing and enjoying life," the source added.

Likewise, the gossip site HollywoodLife.com quoted a source saying Aguilera and Madden, 31, "are currently in the hookup phase of the relationship."

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