AJ McLean’s marriage was collapsing months before the separation announcement, multiple sources specifically tell Page Six.
“They’ve been living apart since at least January,” said an insider of Backstreet Boys member and no longer seeing wife, Rochelle McLean.
“AJ has left the conjugal home,” an insider adds.
Meanwhile, a second source tells us that the couple’s separation was “a long time ago” and that “there is more to the story.”
AJ’s representatives did not respond to Page Six’s repeated requests for comment.
McLeans shared the news that they “temporarily” parted ways after 11 years of marriage in a joint statement on Monday.
“Marriage is hard but worth it. AJ, 45, and Rochelle, 41, have mutually decided to temporarily separate to work on ourselves and our marriage in hopes of building a stronger future.
Our plan is to get back together and continue to nurture our love for each other and our family. We ask for respect and privacy right now.”
The “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” singer and hairdresser also told fans, “Be kind and remember that kids are involved.”
They share two daughters: 10-year-old Elliott, formerly known as Ava, and 6-year-old Lyric.
Married in December 2011, AJ and Rochelle have endured their fair share of ups and downs over the years.
The Grammy nominee has battled drug use and alcoholism for over two decades, even describing herself as a “chronic relapser” at one point. He celebrated one year of sobriety in September 2022.
“AJ is the kind of celebrity living the rock star lifestyle, and Alex is withdrawn,” she admitted, using her real name on “Today” at the time.
“But now I’ve come to a place where the two can coexist.”