Devil Wears Prada star Anne Hathaway splits from long-time love

The 25-year-old movie star ended her four year relationship with Italian-American businessman, 29, over the weekend.

The Brokeback Mountain star's decision follows over a year of scandal linked to Follieri.

Last week, it was reported his charity Follieri Foundation, which funded vaccination programmes in developing countries, was being investigated by the New York State Attorney General's Office.

An insider tells the Mail Online that Hathaway made the painful decision to end their relationship because of the effects his controversial business dealings could have on her career.

Hathaway served as a director on the charity's board until some time last year, with her rep saying: 'Since she is no longer associated with the foundation, why would you expect her to be familiar with all of this,' when asked about the investigation.

A source said: 'It's heartbreaking for her to dump him, and she's devastated that it's come to this, but she really didn't have a choice. His scandals were hurting her reputation.'

Despite their split, it remains to be seen if the separation is permanent.

The couple were reported to have split briefly this year after Follieri was sued by a former business associate for bouncing a  $215,000 cheque.

Criminal charges against Follieri were dropped after he turned himself into police and  settled the outstanding bill.

Follieri often visited Hathaway on the Boston set of her upcoming movie Bride Wars, but they were regularly spotted arguing by crew members.

A friend said: 'They fought so much while Anne was making the movie, she genuinely started to wonder if the relationship was worth all the pain.'