Alicia Keys is finally opening up about accusations that she stole Swizz Beatz from his ex-wife Mashonda.

The "Karma" singer contends that she didn't start seeing the producer until his marriage to Mashonda had broken down. “Everything was in order,” Alicia told Essence magazine. “We didn’t start seeing each other until after they had been separated for months.”

Alicia has kept mum on her relationship with Swizz for years, despite calls from a public eager to know how the two became an item. Mashonda, on the other hand, had no trouble speaking out about their involvement.

Swizz's ex has said repeatedly that Alicia knew he was still legally married to her when they got together. Mashonda also claims that Alicia paid no heed to requests that she leave Swizz alone so that Mashonda could save her marriage.

While such persistent accusations would have pushed most others to defend themselves, Alicia chose not to get involved because she felt it would only begin a vicious cycle.

“I was very aware of all the false things that were being said about me,” said Alicia, who got engaged to Swizz a month after his divorce from Mashonda was finalized. “And it definitely hurt. But I was sure that if I engaged, it would become a back-and-forth like some sort of sick entertainment, which goes against everything I believe in and only would have made things worse."

She added, "Of course, people will believe what they want to believe. But I know the truth will shine through.“

Alicia's not concerning herself with all the gossip. Right now, she's enjoying being a wife and mother.

“I was very closed for a long time. But I feel so open now," she admits. "To feel open like this means you’ve found the center in yourself. You’re not hiding; you’re not worried about anything. Everything’s going to be just fine.”

That includes her relationship with all of her stepchildren, who are a big reason why her marriage to Swizz works. “Kasseem is very present in his children’s lives," said Alicia, who admits she wouldn't love him as much as she does if he wasn't a good father.

— Sonya Eskridge

Here's more:
Alicia Keys welcomes son


'No' RSVP from Mashonda
Mashonda reflects on 'Love'

Alicia and Swizz Beatz wed in Italy
Should Alicia Keys address the homewrecker rumors?