Chris Young Had Been Caught With Miranda Lambert Months Before Her Divorce

Chris Young and Miranda Lambert were spotted together back in March, with sources saying the two looked very much like a couple.

Now Young is playing a central role in the divorce drama between Lambert and husband Blake Shelton, with rumors indicating he is the “other man” who caused the split.

Lambert and Shelton publicly announced their split this week, making no mention of the reason for their split or potential infidelity.

“This is not the future we envisioned,” the two said in a statement to the Associated Press.

“And it is with heavy hearts that we move forward separately. We are real people, with real lives, with real families, friends and colleagues. Therefore, we kindly ask for privacy and compassion concerning this very personal matter.”

But behind the scenes, many are claiming that Miranda’s affair with Young was what led to the split.

Young and Lambert have a long history together, the New York Daily News noted, dating back to 2012 when he opened for Miranda on her On Fire tour. The two had been spotted together a number of times since then, including a March sighting that had witnesses convinced that Lambert was having an affair with Young.

Radar Online reported at the time that Chris Young and Miranda Lambert were flirting and hanging out frequently:

While Lambert’s constant text messages and frequent hangouts with Young are known to her close group of girlfriends, Shelton, 38, is still in the dark. “Miranda and Chris’ bond has bothered him on occasion,” admits the pal, “but he doesn’t think anything serious is going on.”

And the “Somethin’ Bad” singer plans to continue to have her cake and eat it too, according to the report. “Miranda loves having this picture-perfect country marriage,” says the source, “but the truth is, she’s often lonely.”

The possible relationship between Chris Young and Miranda Lambert resurfaced this week when reports emerged that Blake Shelton had quietly filed for divorce at the beginning of the month.

As rumors intensified that Young was somehow involved, the country singer took to Instagram in an attempt to clear the air.

“I don’t normally address gossip but in this case I will. My name has been mentioned as a contributing factor in Blake and Miranda’s divorce. That is totally FALSE.”

“They are both my friends and I would not betray that friendship. Just wanted to clear that up. Love you guys.”

The divorce came after many months of rumors indicating trouble between Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert. Reports had indicated that Shelton’s drinking was driving Lambert away, though the couple always vehemently denied that there was any trouble in the marriage.

For her part, Miranda Lambert has not addressed the alleged affair with Chris Young.

[Picture by Rick Diamond/Getty Images]