In a statement to AFP on 19/9, the couple said, "With mutual respect and deep affection, Monica Bellucci and Tim Burton have decided to separate." They did not disclose the reason for their split.

International news outlets have reached out to representatives for both artists but have not yet received a response.

Actress Monica Bellucci and director Tim Burton at the 2023 Rome Film Festival. Photo: AFP

Actress Monica Bellucci and director Tim Burton at the 2023 Rome Film Festival. Photo: AFP

The pair first met on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006. They reconnected in 2022 when Bellucci presented Burton with the Lumiere lifetime achievement award at the Lumiere Festival in France. Paris Match reported that their relationship blossomed after this event. Shortly after, rumors of a romance began circulating when the media reported seeing them together in Madrid, Spain. On Valentine's Day 2023, paparazzi captured photos of them kissing and holding hands as they entered a restaurant, according to the Daily Mail.

The couple kept their relationship private until they appeared together at the Rome Film Festival in October 2023. According to People, the director attended the event to support the premiere of his partner's film, "Maria Callas: Lettere e Memorie." At the time, many articles described Burton as looking "very much in love and happy."

Monica Bellucci holds hands with Tim Burton at the 2024 Emmys on 15/1. Video: Whoopsee

Before publicly acknowledging their relationship, Bellucci spoke about Burton to the press. In Elle in June 2023, she stated, "I can say that I'm glad I met this man. It's one of those rare encounters that happen in life. I know the man, I love him, and now I'm going to meet the director – another adventure is beginning." This interview took place after news broke that Burton had cast Bellucci in the 2024 version of "Beetlejuice," his hit 1988 horror-comedy.

Born in 1964, Bellucci became a cinematic sex symbol through her role in the romantic film "Malena." She has also impressed audiences with roles in "Asterix and Obelix Meet Cleopatra" (2002), "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003), "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003), and "The Brothers Grimm" (2005).

Before her acting career, she was a renowned model, working for various fashion houses and magazines. She married actor Vincent Cassel in 1999 and divorced in 2013. They have two daughters, Deva and Leonie. Before her relationship with Burton, she was involved with artist Nicolas Lefebvre.

Tim Burton, born Timothy Walter Burton in 1958, is an American director, screenwriter, film producer, artist, and animator. Over his 30-year career, he has created numerous acclaimed films, including "The Nightmare Before Christmas" (1993), "Batman" (1989), "Edward Scissorhands" (1990), "Planet of the Apes" (2001), and "Alice in Wonderland" (2010). His recent notable work includes the series "Wednesday," starring Jenna Ortega.

Prior to Bellucci, Burton was in a 13-year relationship with actress Helena Bonham Carter from 2001 to 2014. They have two children, a son and a daughter. Although they never married, Bonham Carter described their separation as a divorce, according to People.

Phuong Thao (according to AFP, Page Six)