“I can no longer ignore the harmful rumours, that my friend Alicia Keys is in any way linked to my marital circumstances or to the decision that Mashonda and I have made to separate. I am disappointed that some have chosen to try and tarnish Alicia’s reputation by irresponsibly implicating her in a situation that she has absolutely nothing to do with. This experience has been one of the most difficult times in my life, 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”.

“Alicia introduced Swizz as ‘The man of the hour and my boo,’” says an insider. “Mashonda has had enough. She put her career on hold to be a wife and mother. She’s tired of pretending she’s deaf, dumb and blind to what’s going on. She can’t believe how disrespectful Alicia is being.”

“This could have been handled quietly,” said a friend. “But now Mashonda has taken the gloves off.”