Celebrity Gabriel Aubry Sad About Split from Halle Berry "She is, and will forever be, one of the most special and beautiful people that I have ever known," he says By Marla Lehner Marla Lehner Marla Lehner is the former west coast news director at PEOPLE. She left PEOPLE in 2013. People Editorial Guidelines Published on May 1, 2010 02:30AM EDT Photo: PRNewsFoto/Gap/AP Although Gabriel Aubry and Halle Berry have split up, the model says he has nothing but love and respect for the actress, with whom he has a 2-year-old daughter. While I will not comment on all of the wild inaccuracies being speculated about in the media, I am sad to say that Halle and I have decided together to separate at this time,” Aubry, a model, confirmed Friday in a statement to Access Hollywood released through his agency, Wilhelmina Models. Reports of the couple’s break up first began circulating widely on Friday. Berry s rep couldn t be reached for comment. Aubry says of his Oscar winning ex, “She is, and will forever be, one of the most special and beautiful people that I have ever known, and I am certain that we will continue to have only love and respect for one another.” PHOTOS: The Berry-Aubry Family: The Way They WereThe couple are putting daughter Nahla first, according to the model. “Her happiness and well-being are the most important thing for both of us,” Aubry says. “Please respect our privacy during this very difficult time.” Berry, 43, and Aubry, 34, had been together four years. They first met at a Versace store opening in Manhattan in February 2006. Meet Sandra Bullock’s baby! For the whole story – including photos of her son Louis, an emotional interview about her breakup with Jesse James and her life as a new mom – pick up the new issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands now. Click here to save $1 on the issue PeopleTV Archive: Watch Halle’s Changing Looks!