Wissam Al Mana and Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson and estranged husband Wissam Al Mana, pictured on Feb. 25, 2013 in Milan, Italy, split after 5 years of marriage. Reuters

“Nasty” singer Janet Jackson was happy during her marriage to estranged husband Wissam Al Mana. The star split from the Qatari billionaire three months after she gave birth to her first child, son Eissa, at the age of 50 years old.

Culture was one of the biggest problems for the duo. “Wissam wanted a wife who stuck more with the Muslim traditions,” an insider told Us Weekly Wednesday. “Even before the baby was born, they clashed and butted heads a lot.”

READ: How Much Money Will Janet Jackson Get In Possible Wissam Al Mana Divorce?

When she got together with Al Mana, Jackson exchanged her risqué fashion for conservative dressing, but the pop star wasn’t comfortable with the change. “She felt like she couldn't be herself anymore,” the source said.

Jackson reportedly canceled part of her Unbreakable tour last year so she could start a family with Al Mana. “My husband and I are planning our family,” she told her fans at the time.

She didn’t like her career taking a backseat to her personal life. “[She] thought her career was suffering and she started resenting Wissam for it,” the friend said. “She couldn't settle down and be what he wanted her to be. Janet wanted more freedom.”

While living in London with Al Mana, she missed her family in Los Angeles. “Janet felt hidden away from her family,” the source said.

The couple started to date in 2010 and were married two years later. The singer told Harper’s Bazaar Arabia in November 2011 she and Al Mana had “a deep bond, a deep connection.”

After months away from social media, Jackson broke her Twitter silence in November. “Hey you guys.. It's been awhile.. but I'm still listening.. I feel your love and prayers.. Thank you.. and I'm doing well.. Al Hamdu lillah," she wrote. For reference, Al Hamdu lilah is Arabic for “Praise be to God.”

The former lovers did not issue a statement about their split.

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