Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake End 4-Year Romance

Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake are back on the market. Reps for both stars have issued a joint statement to say that they have decided to go their separate ways, but they remain very good friends.

The announcement came as a surprise, especially since the two put up a united front at the Vanity Fair post-Oscar party, where the picture attached to this article was also taken.

However, it is believed it comes before the rumors do – though, in all fairness, hardly a couple of months went by without a breakup story for these two.

“Addressing the media speculation regarding Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake’s relationship, we are confirming that they mutually have decided to part ways,” the joint statement reads, as Us Magazine informs.

“The two remain friends and continue to hold the highest level of love and respect for each other,” it is further said.

Sources close to the couple tell the celebrity publication that the split was amicable and that both Justin and Jessica are handling the breakup well.

As reports say that the two believe they have done everything in their power to make it work, the Daily Mail claims the turning point came when Jessica threw Justin a surprise party for his 30th birthday.

It was then that it became clear to her that he simply didn’t feel the same for her as he once did (and certainly as she did towards him), and when she decided breaking up would be the best alternative.

At the party, a source tells the Mail, Jessica stood up for an impromptu speech in honor of the birthday boy. She recalled how badly she wanted to go out on a date with him and how she practically stalked him until he asked her out.

She also said he was the best thing to have happened to her and stressed that she’s never been happier in her life, almost choking on her tears, says the British tab.

At the end of it, Justin got up and, laughing, yelled “Yeah, [expletive]!” thus completely ruining the moment like an insensitive jack.

“It was really awkward. Justin’s reaction was almost disrespectful. He just laughed it off,” the source says.