Matthew McConaughey & Penelope Cruz Are 'Separating'

[Jennika]

Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz have decided to spend time apart, PEOPLE has learned exclusively.

The couple "have decided to take time off as a couple. Due to busy work schedules and so much time apart, they mutually decided four weeks ago that separating was the best thing to do at this time," according to a joint statement from the couple to PEOPLE.

"They're very good friends, but they haven't been able to be together," a source close to Cruz tells PEOPLE. "Who knows what the future holds."

Cruz, 32, is currently in Spain filming Manolete, a drama about the legendary Spanish bullfighter, costarring Adrien Brody. Meanwhile, McConaughey, 36, is in the U.S. shooting We Are Marshall, about former Marshall University football coach Jack Lengyel.



CREDIT: CARLOS ALVAREZ / GETTY
(Penelope) said it has been too hard to have a relationship when you see the other person every six weeks," adds the source.

The couple last saw each other in February when McConaughey visited Cruz on location in Spain.

McConaughey, PEOPLE's Sexiest Man Alive, and Cruz have been dating for more than a year. They met while filming last year's Sahara.










http://people.aol.com/people/article...200409,00.html

[*Happiness*]

I Matthew so much.....he's DELICIOUS!!!!

[casaanova]

No way!! I think they made a very cute couple..

[VainJane]

Love Penelope!

McConaughey, 36, is in the U.S. shooting We Are Marshall, about former Marshall University football coach Jack Lengyel.

I'm sick of inspirational football movies

[ShesElectric]

I was never too interested in their relationship.


What I'd like to know is what he saw in her... ick

[FrockRadar8]

wow he was just on Oprah...didn't mention a word about separating..

[Diorling]

I didnt even know they were...joined...

[cosmogrl5]

Just to let everyone know, he dumped her to be with me.

[canuckcutie]

^^ You lucky woman.

This makes me sad, I liked these 2 together.

I swear I saw pics of them a few weeks ago, I think Matthew went to Spain to visit her while she was working.

Y'know every celeb couple uses the "we have busy careers, our lives are too hectic, we simply cannot find enough time to be with one another" excuse when they split, even if they really are together 24-7. Publicists should really start coming up with more creative excuses.

[*Happiness*]

Originally Posted by cosmogrl5

Just to let everyone know, he dumped her to be with me.

If I wasn't married....I'd be looking for him right now! he is YUMMY!!!!

[fashionicon]

Um.... k. Isn't the whole reason for the seperation because of the fact that they DON'T spend enough time together? So now they want to take some TIME APART?

Anyway, I agree Matthew is gorgeous.

Weren't they supposed to go on some Summer road trip together?

[Zen]

^^ Yeah, in his trailer home.....lol

[ckashie]

I think it's kind of dumb that they refused to confirm their relationship and now go to the trouble to release an entire elaborately worded statement about it?

[model_mom]

It was my fault.... ....