The managers of Brandy and Monica have issued a joint statement in response to the widely reported and inaccurate story that the two singers punched each other after rehearsing their song, "The Boy Is Mine," for last week's Video Music Awards.

The allegation was printed Monday in a New York gossip column, which contended that Brandy had given Monica a black eye during their supposed struggle.

The new statement points out that the pair spent a great deal of time together at the awards, even holding hands and praying together before their performance. "New York Daily News" reporter Marcus Baram says he's standing by his story.

Catch all the sizzlin', star-packed VMA action direct from Miami on August 28. MTV News' preshow kicks things off at 6:30 p.m. ET/PT, followed by big show at 8 p.m.

Vote for the Viewer's Choice Award, see a timeline of MTV Video Music Awards history, and relive highlights of last year's event. And for more MTV Video Music Awards news, check out the MTV News VMA archive.