Brody Jenner defends 'best friend' Kaitlynn Carter following kiss with Miley Cyrus

Brody Jenner is supporting his ex-partner Kaitlynn Carter nearly two weeks after they split and amid Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth's breakup.

On Saturday, the 35-year-old The Hills: New Beginnings star took to Instagram to defend 30-year-old Carter, who was photographed kissing Cyrus in Lake Como, Italy last week. On that same day paparazzi photos were released, Cyrus, 26, and husband Hemsworth, 29, confirmed they were separating after eight months of marriage and 10 years of dating on-and-off.

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In Jenner's post, he called Carter his "best friend" and disavowed the "negativity" she's faced in recent days, as rumours swirl that she and Cyrus are romantically involved.

However, multiple sources allegedly close to Cyrus and Carter have said they are longtime friends who have bonded over their fresh break-ups.

"There is far too much negativity being directed at someone who I love and care about very much. I feel the need to set the story straight," Jenner began. "Kaitlynn and I have been best friends for 6 years, and we continue to be. We, like many others before us and many after us, grew in different directions over those same 6 years."

The reality star added, "Kaitlynn is a wonderful person, beautiful and fun to be with, always a positive force in my life. We decided the best move for both of us was to keep our love for each other strong but move forward separately with our lives. I respect Kaitlynn and care deeply about her. She deserves to be able to move forward with her life with respect and happiness."

Following his split with Carter, Jenner has reportedly moved on romantically with model Josie Canseco, who he's been spotted with in Los Angeles in recent days.