While Shakira's Split Temporary, Keira Knightley and Rupert Friend Break Appears Permanent

Just days following the news that Shakira and long-time boyfriend Antonio De La Rua have taken "time apart" from one another, reports have surfaced that Keira Knightley and Rupert Friend have parted ways.

Keira met Rupert in 2005 while working together on Pride & Prejudice. People reports that the couple split up several months ago and that this occurred after Knightley purchased a home in the South of France.

Keira's father spoke to the Sun (a British tabloid) and explained, "They were together for quite a long time, and it is always hard breaking up. She's focused on her work."

Speaking of Knightley's work there is word that she may try out for a part as Batman's love interest or a villain in the movie slated to begin filming this May.

The source who spoke with People about Knightley and Friend said that distance and career "were both considerations" when the couple made their decision to break up.

Earlier this week, reports that Shakira and Antonio De La Rua, a lawyer and also the son of the former President of Argentina, emerged. Shakira, who has won two Grammy Awards and seven Latin Grammy Awards, wrote on her blog that the couple split in August, but they have "continued to work together hand in hand, have remained close and have kept the details absolutely private until now."

She ended her letter about the split on her blog as follows:

"We would like to advise that we will not be giving interviews or making more statements with respect to this matter and we appreciate in advance your understanding and respect during this sensitive time in our lives."

Click here to read Shakira and Antonio's letter on Shakira's blog.

Sources: http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20457257,00.html, http://www.popeater.com/2011/01/10/shakira-and-boyfriend-split/, http://www.heatworld.com/Entertainment/Films/2011/01/Keira-Knightly-Anne-Hathaway-and-Jessica-Biel-after-Batman-role/