Scarlett Johansson declines Marine Ball invite

Scarlett Johansson has turned down an invite to accompany a member of the armed forces to the Marine Corps Ball - but has vowed to send champagne to make up for it.

Sergeant Dustin L. Williams asked the Lost In Translation star to the military event by uploading a video on YouTube.com earlier this week (begs25Jul11), in the hope that the newly-divorced actress would accompany him to the ball as his date.

Scarlett Johansson has been forced to decline the offer due to a scheduling conflict, but she stills plans to reward Williams for the kind gesture.

In a statement, obtained by Zap2It.com, she writes, "Sgt. Williams, unfortunately due to prior commitments I will not be able to attend the Ball with you this year, but I am sending you a case of Moet and Chandon with gratitude."

Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis and even 89-year-old actress Betty White have all been invited to November's (11) Marine Corps Ball. The Friends With Benefits co-stars have both accepted, while White had to turn down the offer due to prior commitments.