Marc Anthony denies affair rumours over J.Lo split

NEW YORK, (Reuters) – Singer Marc Anthony yesterday denied rumours that secret affairs with other women  broke apart his marriage to “American Idol” superstar Jennifer  Lopez earlier this year.

In his first interview since the July announcement of the  demise of their seven-year marriage that brought them twins,  Anthony, the top-selling salsa artist of all time, told ABC’s  “Nightline” news program that their split was amicable.

“It wasn’t some sensationalistic happening,” he said,  denying infidelity played any part. “It was a realization on  both our parts, you know, It wasn’t shocking…These things  happen.”

On whether he wanted the divorce, he said: “It was a  decision that we made jointly.”

Last week, speculation sparked in the media of a love  affair between him and actress Jada Pinkett Smith, the wife of  A-list movie star Will Smith. Anthony co-stars on Pinkett  Smith’s TV show, “Hawthorne.”

But Anthony, 42, called such speculation on celebrities  “almost like a sport.”

“I will always love Jennifer, she knows that and my kids  know that,” he said, calling Lopez a “wonderful” woman, mother  and friend.

The marriage was the third for Lopez, 42, and produced  twins Emme and Max in 2008. The two were married months after  Lopez’s engagement to actor Ben Affleck ended, and days after  Anthony’s divorce from former Miss Puerto Rico Dayanara Torres  was finalized.

Lopez’ music career has been enhanced by Anthony’s  popularity within the Latin music market. The couple performed  together in a 2007 tour called “Juntos en Concierto.” They also  worked on each other’s albums and starred opposite each other  in 2006 film “El Cantante.”

This year, she became a judge on No. 1-rated television  show “American Idol,” and her single “On The Floor” has been a  top 10 hit in several countries.

“It is sad, because you think about the impact about all  those people that believed in you,” Anthony told ABC. “But  there is still life to live together through Max and Emme.”

Since the split announcement Lopez, 41, has graced magazine  covers and been spotted in various media and gossip pages while  Anthony has stayed silent.