Huda Mustafa and Louis Russell have split after nearly nine months of dating, saying in a joint statement on May 21 that they have “mutually decided to part ways for the time being.” The former couple said they remain friends and still have “the utmost respect and love for one another.”

The breakup lands just days after Mustafa teased the release of her first song, due out May 22, and as both publicly framed their next chapter around their children. Mustafa, who is a mother to Arleigh, 5, with ex Noah Sheline, said she will be dedicating her time and energy to being the best mother, her music career and the opportunities ahead. Russell, who shares 12-month-old Luka-Kai with ex Nicole Olivera, said he is focused on being the best father he can be and pursuing his future endeavors.

Mustafa, known from Love Island USA, and Russell, from Too Hot To Handle, had spent the past months building a relationship that became increasingly public. Their split comes at a moment when both were already talking about what comes next: Mustafa was preparing to launch her music career, and Russell had been emphasizing fatherhood in public remarks for weeks.

The timing also adds another layer to a relationship that had been watched closely online. On May 19, Mustafa posted “it’s time…” on Instagram while teasing her first song. Before that, Russell had written on an Instagram Story on March 18, “All I've ever wanted is to be a good dad. That's who I am, and that's who I'll always be.” He later dropped a custody case against Olivera on April 28.

Mustafa also appeared to respond to separate speculation on social media, writing, “I’m aware of what's being said and it's not true. I’m handling everything the right way by letting legal take care of it. I appreciate everyone who continues to support me.” The comments did not name the claims, but they underscored how quickly the breakup became part of a wider conversation around her personal life.

For now, the pair are closing this chapter with the same message: the relationship is over, but the respect is still there. Their statement makes clear that both are moving on with parenting front and center, and that Mustafa’s music debut, arriving May 22, is the next public step to watch.