Divorce attorneys in Pasadena have heard a lot about the truth behind the seven-year itch recently. New surveys say it's more than just a myth, even though couples are staying together longer. And Hollywood is the first place to look to see the reality of the phenomenon. Singer and American Idol judge Jennifer Lopez and Latin pop star Marc Anthony recently announced their separation after seven years of marriage.
Lopez and Anthony were married in a secret and casual ceremony in 2004 at Lopez's Beverly Hills home. But the breakup thus far has been anything but secretive. Announced on Friday, July 15th, speculation as to why the couple broke up bubbled over before the weekend had come to a close. "We have decided to end our marriage," Lopez and Anthony told PEOPLE in a joint statement. "This was a very difficult decision. We have come to an amicable conclusion on all matters. It is a painful time for all involved, and we appreciate the respect of our privacy at this time." But every major tabloid had a theory as to why the pop music super couple had broken up. People reported that perhaps signs of trouble came a full week earlier when Lopez attended the BAFTA gala for Prince William and Kate Middleton without Anthony. Other magazines point out that the couple had not been seen together public since early June. Whatever the reason for the split was, Anthony made light of the situation at a concert in Bogotá, Columbia over the weekend. "They're saying I'm single," he told fans.
Lopez and Anthony, in addition to having 3-year-old twins Emme and Max together, also have several business ventures with one another. Que Viva, a globe-spanning reality talent show, is currently filming; despite their breakup, Anthony and Lopez are committed to working with one another, according to representatives for the show.