Swizz Beatz Slams Alicia Keys Affair Rumors 9/15/08

Rapper Swizz Beatz has laughed off rumors he cheated on his wife with superstar singer Alicia Keys.

The Grammy winner split from Mashonda, his wife of four years, in April (08).

But he insists rumors Keys was involved in the separation, are false.

Beatz - real name Kasseem Mike Dean - says "I can no longer ignore the harmful rumors, that my friend Alicia Keys is in any way linked to my marital circumstances or to the decision that Mashonda and I have made to separate.

"I am disappointed that some have chosen to try and tarnish Alicia's reputation by irresponsibly implicating her in a situation that she has absolutely nothing to do with.

"This experience has been one of the most difficult times in my life, and as was stated when we announced our separation several months ago, I ask that you continue to respect my privacy in dealing with this personal matter."