Cher, the iconic singer and actress, has recently ended her romantic relationship with her producer fiancé Alexander "AE" Edwards, sparking a wave of controversy and speculation, sources reveal. The breakup, which follows a brief six-month liaison, has taken a bitter turn, with insiders alleging Edwards is denying they were ever engaged.

"Cher is now realizing that AE was probably using her to boost his own public image," shares an insider. This assertion is further fueled by Edwards' public dismissal of their engagement, a move described by the source as "rubbing salt in the wounds."

As previously reported, sources suggested that the 77-year-old "If I Could Turn Back Time" singer had reservations about marrying the 37-year-old aspiring music mogul, primarily due to his overbearing behavior in the recording studio.

Further complications arose as Cher's adult sons, Chaz Bono, 54, and Elijah Blue Allman, 46, reportedly expressed concerns about Edwards' potential interest in their inheritance.

The romantic engagement between the unlikely couple intensified in the wake of the devastating loss of Cher's mother, Georgia Holt. Shortly after Holt's death at the age of 96 in December, Cher showcased a stunning diamond ring gifted by Edwards. However, some speculated that the cost of the sparkling piece was actually borne by Cher herself.

As their relationship began to wane, Edwards allegedly distanced himself from Cher, refusing to answer her calls and no longer residing at her $85 million Malibu mansion. This apparent disinterest led Cher to confront Edwards, culminating in a mutual agreement to part ways, according to the source.

The fallout from their separation extends beyond their personal lives, with insiders revealing that their planned music collaboration is now off the cards. "All this talk that they were never engaged is just damage control!" the source reveals, hinting at the potential for further controversy surrounding the pair's split.