Soul icon Aretha Franklin has laughed off rumours her pal Patti Labelle was recently arrested following a fight between the pair after fans fell for a spoof news article posted online.

The fake story was posted on TheNewsNerd.com on Friday (11Apr14), alleging the Lady Marmalade hitmaker been taken into police custody after throwing a punch at Franklin during a run-in in Atlanta, Georgia last month (Mar14).

The false news caused such a stir on the Internet that Franklin has now spoken out to clear up the claims.

In a funny statement released on Tuesday (15Apr14), the legendary singer writes, "I've never heard anything crazier - regarding myself and Patti allegedly fighting on March 20, in Atlanta.

"On March 20, I was in New York City readying for my birthday patty (Sorry. Lol (laugh out loud). Laughing at my typo error). I meant Party, which we all had one fabulous time. Patti and I are cool and we always have been."

Articles posted on TheNewsNerd.com feature a disclaimer, stating that its stories are for "entertainment purposes only".