Russell Simmons has split from his girlfriend Melissa George, claiming the long distance became "impossible."

The Def Jam records co-founder announced the news on his Twitter yesterday, writing: "Long distance relationships are to say the least difficult. For me & Melissa a few weeks ago... We agreed impossible."

The unlikely couple began dating in summer of last year and they even spent the New Year together, enjoying romantic strolls on the beaches of St Barts.

Melissa is yet to comment on the split herself.

Check out the pics of the couple on holiday in the gallery below.

Russell Simmons and Melissa George enjoy romantic stroll on St Barts beach...