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Beyonce's dad has spoken out for the first time about the rift between himself and'Single Ladies' hitmaker, Beyonce.
Matthew Knowles claims that the decision for them to separate was mutual, but also said that it hurt both of them a lot.
Speaking to The Sun, he said, "I’ve never revealed this much in an interview before. Normally I hate to talk about anything personal, but it would be a lie if I did not say it has been difficult. It was hard for me to let her go — it was hard for both of us to let each other go."
He added, "And let’s be clear on that. She didn’t let me go, we both let each other go. That’s a big difference."
Knowles then continued, "This was not a normal ending of a business agreement. This was a dad and a daughter and it was incredibly painful and it had some difficulties. But I try to always have a positive mind about things and you got to do it the right way."
Beyonce's father started managing her when she was part of Destiny's Child, and continued to be in charge during her split from the group and decision to go solo in 2003.
However, Beyonce released a statement in 2011 announcing the split and saying, "I am grateful for everything he has taught me. I grew up watching both he and my mother manage and own their own businesses. They were hard-working entrepreneurs and I will continue to follow in their footsteps."
Beyonce says that split with her father just had to be done
The 'Halo' singer also spoke about the split in her recent HBO documentary Life Is But A Dream, saying, "'I’m feeling very empty because of my relationship with my dad. And I’m so fragile at this point and I feel like my soul has been tarnished. Life is unpredictable but I feel like I had to move on, and not work with my dad.
"And I don’t care if I don’t sell one record. It’s bigger than the record, it’s bigger than my career. It’s just too stressful, and it really affects your relationship. I needed boundaries, and I think my dad needed boundaries."
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