Joe Jonas confirmed he broke up with Demi Lovato And while they’re both giving the PR-approved lines to People (we’re great friends, lots of respect, blah blah blah) rumor is that’s not exactly how things went down. At first it was reported that Joe broke up with Demi over the phone. Which wouldn’t be unexpected – he infamously broke up with Taylor Swift in what she told Ellen DeGeneres was a "27 second phone call."

But according to gossip, Joe didn’t break up with Demi at all. He had his DAD do it. The rumor originated with one of Perez Hilton’s sources who’s a friend of Demi. And while Perez is a class-A turd, his gossip is right often enough. Given the cowardly way Joe dumped Taylor, it doesn’t seem out of character for him to have chickened out and somehow left his dad in the awkward position.

The official line, though is:

"Demi and I knew going into our romantic relationship that it may not be an easy one," Jonas, 20, tells PEOPLE. "I realize over the time we have shared together that I feel I care more about our friendship right now. It was my choice to break up but I love her as a friend. She’s been there for me when I needed her. I will continue to be her friend and be there for her."

Lovato, 17, took to Twitter to shoot down what she labeled erroneous reports.

"There are so many crazy rumors flying around today," she writes. "I’d like to clear a few things up. First, Joe and I did split but it wasn’t over the phone. Things didn’t work out but we’ll remain friends. Secondly, I am NOT dating anybody already. Nothing is more important to me than the relationship I have with my fans. Just thought you guys should know this." (via People)

The pair had only been dating since March (at least publicly) but Demi had gushed about Joe a lot. That gossipy friend of Demi’s also said not to count the two out yet, in terms of the future. They’re both young, so who knows. Still, we’re going to dramatically throw ourselves on the bed and have a good cry in the name of young love.