Italian model/actress Elisabetta Canalis has broken the silence regarding her relationship with boyfriend George Clooney.
Elisabetta spoke with Vanity Fair's Italian edition from George's Lake Como estate, People reported.
View the photos: Emmys 2010: And The Nominees Are...
"I am happy like I was when I was 18 years old," Elisabetta, 31, reportedly told the mag. "Those who criticize or invent stories about us are jealous."
Rumors of a possible separation swirled earlier this year when an Italian newspaper announced the couple had split.
View the photos: The Always Dapper Gentleman George Clooney
"It might seem a cliche, but unfortunately it is true: the Italians never support their own citizens who earn an opportunity or a recognition abroad," Elisabetta explained. "I don't expect to be celebrated, but neither do I expect the newspapers of our country to use as a reference point a gossip blog which is full of insults, racism and violence."
The brunette beauty went on to say that some people are jealous that she's landed one of Hollywood's hottest leading men — and it's not just her fellow Italians.
"I have heard of women — even famous women — that due to this [relationship] removed his photo as screensavers from their computers... But in the end the best revenge over these jealous people is to be happy," she reportedly said.
View the photos: People's 'Sexiest Man Alive' Through the Years
Despite dating People's twice-anointed "Sexiest Man Alive", it's not just about looks for Elisabetta. The quality she admires most about George is "his humanity" and "his ability in giving to others."
According to the mag, the glamorous couple will hit the red carpet together on Aug. 29 for the 2010 Emmy Awards, where George will be given the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his work with victims of the Haiti earthquake.
View the photos: Big Screen Gentlemen: Hollywood's Leading Men