Jenifer Lopez and Casper Smart have separated after more than two and a half years together. American Idol judge began dating her former backing dancer, Smart, in October 2011 mere months after announcing her split from then-husband Marc Anthony.

Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart
Casper Smart and J-Lo photographed together in May at the 2014 Billboard Awards.

The couple's relationship seemingly ended more than a month ago but the news has only recently been made public by a number of sources speaking to a US entertainment website. A source, speaking to People, said "They initially split about six weeks ago, but that can take a little time to extricate. But they've definitely broken up. The relationship had just run its course." 

There were rumours about their relationship troubles in March when the same publication claimed 27-year-old Smart had been involved in sending a series of raunchy snaps and messages to an unnamed woman via Instagram. Smart's "sexting" was not the only reported problem as sources close to the couple claimed Lopez's busy schedule was causing friction. 

Read More: Jennifer Lopez Was Unsure About Releasing Memoir.

Jennifer LopezLopez has been married three times. 

Following the rumours, the couple still publically appeared very much together and supportive of each other's various work commitments. Even as recently as a fortnight ago, Smart was still uploading pictures of J-Lo and videos of her dance routines on to Instagram, praising her performance and describing her as "beautiful", "funny" and "gorgeous". 

J-Lo is apparently coping well with their split and the source claimed "Jennifer is actually doing really well and working hard." 

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The 44-year-old pop icon has previously been married three times and has two children, twins born in 2008, with her last husband actor and singer Marc Anthony. When questioned earlier this year about the prospect of marrying for a fourth time, Lopez was unwilling to provide a definitive answer and simply stated "I don't know," adding "I've always believed in that institution. I believe in it, but it is difficult."

Casper Smart and Jennifer Lopez
The couple began dating in late 2011.