Gwyneth Paltrow’s ex Donovan Leitch has broken his silence on the snap of the pair kissing, which was taken just months before her split from Coldplay singer Chris Martin was announced.
The shot of the pair kissing and embracing in front of Gwyneth and Chris’s kids was taken around six months ago and has understandably been attracting a lot of attention since the announcement of the pair’s marriage split.
Donovan in October 2013
Donovan has now spoken out to explain his side of the story, stating that it was a “purely innocent” goodbye and not a romantic moment.
“I was just saying goodbye to her. It was purely innocent," he told the Mail on Sunday. "We were sitting in the owner’s box in front of 30,000 people with her two children right next to us. That isn’t exactly the setting for a secret liaison.
"But the telephoto picture turned it into more. But it’s her. Her life is constantly under surveillance. Gwyneth and I have always been close.
"I consider her to be one of my closest friends. We have tons of great friends in common."
Donovan and Gwyneth dated in the 1990s, shortly before the ‘Iron Man’ actress began a romance with Brad Pitt.
The actress has already spoken out to deny that she was unfaithful to Chris and Donovan has only good words to say about Chris and his ex.
"I’ve only witnessed a couple incredibly in love with one another,” he stated. "That’s my personal experience.
“They’re great parents. Their relationship looks enviable. She definitely has a great life. She has a great family, kids and career."
Gwyneth and Chris at a charity event in January 2014
The pair have been married for 10 years however their joint statement on the split explained that they have been experiencing marital problems for the last 12 months.