Kimora Lee Simmons breaks silence after Hounsou split

KIMORA LEE SIMMONS has spoken out about the "hurtful" rumors emerging after her split from DJIMON HOUNSOU, insisting she and the actor remain "happy and loving" friends and parents.

A representative for the Blood Diamond star confirmed the sad news on Wednesday (21Nov12), five months after the split was first reported in June (12).

The gossip mill was sent into overdrive as it was claimed the romance ended over a bitter fight about money, but Simmons has now taken to her Twitter.com page to assure fans she and Hounsou are still close.

She writes, "There have been quite a few hurtful rumors circulating. The truth is Djimon + I have been separated for some time. We have remained happy, loving, co-parenting friends + family. We all have much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving."

The couple began dating in 2007 but never officially married, although they staged a traditional commitment ceremony in Hounsou's native Benin in 2008.

The stars are parents to a three-year-old son, Kenzo, while the brunette beauty also has two daughters from her marriage to music mogul Russell Simmons.