Justin Timberlake & Cameron Diaz Confirm Split

By: Shannon Gossage

Rumors of the split had been circulating for weeks and the couple finally confirmed the split on Thursday in a joint statement. The statement read: "It has always been our preference not to comment on the status of our relationship, but, out of respect for the time we’ve spent together, we feel compelled to do so now, in light of recent speculation and the number of inaccurate stories that are being reported by the media. We have, in fact, ended our romantic relationship and have done so mutually and as friends, with continued love and respect for one another."

Timberlake and Diaz first met at the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards and began dating in April 2003. It has been reported that the two were last out together publicly on December 16 in New York City celebrating Timberlake’s guest appearance on Saturday Night Live. They spent Christmas apart with him celebrating with family in Tennessee and her staying in Los Angeles and then heading off to ski in Vail, Colorado. A friend of Timberlake’s reportedly said, "He called me around Christmas to say they had broken up. They’re not talking to each other because things are a little awkward."

Timberlake is reportedly began romancing actress Scarlett Johansson after she appeared in his new video "What Goes Around." Sources say Johansson was a source of contention between Timberlake and Diaz and led to the split. Other sources claim that the nine-year age difference caused a rift in the relationship. Said a source, "I don’t think she’s so much into the scene like he is. He’s really young and he likes to go out. (He) hasn’t been into her for awhile." Timberlake and Diaz can be seen together again on the big screen when they appear in the animated sequel Shrek the Third.