Australian pop star Kylie Minogue has asked her fans to leave her ex-boyfriend, French actor Olivier Martinez, alone.
After four years, Minogue and Martinez announced their separation earlier this month, saying that they will remain friends.
Since then there has been speculation in tabloid press of Martinez's alleged infidelity with Hollywood actresses Penelope Cruz and Michelle Rodriguez.
"As for the treatment Olivier has received of late, I can only reiterate that he simply does not deserve the kind of harassment or vitriol to which he has been subjected," the singer wrote in a statement on her website.
"For someone whom I have enormous love and respect, and communicate with, it is so grossly unfair: to demonise an honest man. I would ask of you, my fans, to show your support for both Olli and myself as a separation is never easy," she continued.
Minogue recently resumed performing after treatment for breast cancer diagnosed in 2005 and was at the opening of 'Kylie - The Exhibition' at London's Victoria & Albert Museum last week.
