‘We were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony,’ Janet Jackson says.

Janet Jackson and Wissam Al Mana have kept their marriage a secret until now.

The couple has told ET News exclusively that they married last year. “The rumours regarding an extravagant wedding are simply not true. Last year we were married in a quiet, private, and beautiful ceremony.”

Their first joint statement comes after rumors of a wedding began to swirl.

“Our wedding gifts to one another were contributions to our respective favourite children’s charities. We would appreciate that our privacy is respected and that we are allowed this time for celebration and joy. With love, Wissam and Janet.”

The couple was spotted in Milan, Italy for fashion week last week. Janet and Wissan attended many fall/winter 2013 shows, such as Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, and more.

– Billboard