Shannon Elizabeth and her Dancing with the Stars partner Derek Hough ended their once red-hot romance – and incredible rumors that he’s gay contributed to the split, insiders say.
Although there’s no real evidence that it’s true, the Internet has long buzzed that Derek prefers men.
"Shannon never believed it," said a source close to the couple, but after a while the whispers started to bother her.
The 35-year-old American Pie actress, who’s divorced from actor Joseph Reitman, hooked up with Derek, 24, after the two were paired on DWTS in March 2008.
The dance partners recently admitted via Twitter that they "decided to end their relationship as boyfriend and girlfriend," but will remain good friends.
While some believe conflicting schedules doomed the romance, the insider claims the endless online blather about Derek playing for the other team was the REAL reason.
A glam hag celeb blogger stoked the fire in March when he Tweeted: "Just heard a delicious rumor that Derek Hough from Dancing with the Stars is a closeted gay. Could it be true?"
But the source pointed out: "Derek is very metrosexual, so many people just assume he’s gay. Shannon got sick of it, and they agreed to end things."
