Casper Smart wasn't Jennifer Lopez's "First Love," and now that they've split, he likely won't be her last, either. As reported earlier on Friday, June 6, the backup dancer-turned-choreographer and the "I Luh Ya Papi" singer have ended their two-and-a-half-year relationship—and insiders tell Us Weekly their careers are at least partly to blame.
A source close to Lopez, 44, says she went "back and forth" about the breakup but ultimately decided it was best to end things. Both she and Smart, 27, have been busy with work in recent weeks, and will be even busier in the coming months. (Lopez is preparing to release her new album, A.K.A., and her ex is attempting to make a move to TV and film.)
"He is trying really hard to launch his acting career," the source tells Us of Smart, who appeared as a dancer in Step Up 3-D, and has a role in the upcoming movie Restored Me. "He doesn't want to be known as just her boyfriend."
Another insider echoes that sentiment, and adds that Lopez is supportive of her ex's desire to break out on his own, professionally speaking. "Casper is focused on acting and going on auditions," the source tells Us, "and Jen has completely supported that."
The second source stresses, too, that the split is amicable. "Casper still really loves Jen a lot, and she loves him," the source says. "They are still close." Another Smart insider adds, "He loves her and her children dearly." (The "First Love" singer shares 6-year-old twins Max and Emme with ex-husband Marc Anthony.)
As for why he missed her big concert in the Bronx on Wednesday, June 5? "Casper never planned on going to NYC with Jennifer," the third source says. "He was staying back to do press for Pura Vida." (Smart costars in and did the choreography for Pura Vida, a short film/music video with Wilmer Valderrama and Don Omar.)
"She's a strong woman, so she's doing fine," a Lopez source previously told Us. "They are both in a good place now."