By Ismael AbduSalaam
Grammy winning-producer and artist Swizz Beatz has broken his silence regarding rumors that claim an affair with singer Alicia Keys caused the dissolution of his own marriage.
In a statement released to US Magazine, Swizz disclosed how the months of speculation and false assertions finally pushed him to a breaking point.
“I can no longer ignore the harmful rumors, that my friend Alicia Keys is in any way linked to my marital circumstances or to the decision that [my wife] Mashonda and I have made to separate,” Swizz explained. “I am disappointed that some have chosen to try and tarnish Alicia’s reputation by irresponsibly implicating her in a situation that she had absolutely nothing to do with.”
Swizz Beatz and singer Mashonda were married in 2004 and have two children together.
In April, the couple separated under apparently amicable terms.
However in published interviews, Mashonda made cryptic comments about Alicia Keys and her marriage that implied the R&B star may have played a pivotal role in the deterioration of her union.
Swizz Beatz feels that the matter should now be closed to the public, as the painful separation is hard enough for him to deal with, without the prying eyes of tabloids.
“This experience has been one of the most difficult times in my life,” Swizz revealed. “And as was stated when we announced our separation several months ago, I ask that you continue to respect my privacy in dealing with this personal matter.”
Swizz Beatz produced T.I.’s forthcoming single “Swing Ya Rag,” off the Atlanta rapper’s sixth studio album Paper Trail.
Swizz is preparing his sophomore solo release entitled Life After The Party.
The album will feature appearances from Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Cassidy, Eve, and Drag-On.