SYDNEY: Australian pop star Kylie Minogue has urged fans not to harass her ex-boyfriend French actor Olivier Martinez, saying he deserves better treatment.

"For someone whom I have enormous love and respect, and communicate with, it is so grossly unfair: to demonize an honest man," Minogue said in a statement on her website www.kylie.com.

Minogue and Martinez announced in early February they were ending their four-year relationship but will remain friends.

At the time tabloid newspapers and magazines ran stories of Martinez's alleged infidelity with Hollywood actresses Penelope Cruz and Michelle Rodriguez.

"As for the treatment Olivier has received of late, I can only reiterate that he simply does not deserve the kind of harassment or vitriol to which he has been subjected," Minogue said in the statement posted on Friday.

Minogue praised Martinez for supporting her while she underwent chemotherapy in his native country France after she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005.

"He didn't hesitate in canceling work and putting projects on hold so he could be with me. He's the most honorable man I have ever met," she said.

"I would ask of you, my fans, to show your support for both Olli and myself as a separation is never easy."