'Bachelor' Ben Higgins addresses Lauren Bushnell split rumors

Feb. 2 (UPI) -- Bachelor alum Ben Higgins says he and Lauren Bushnell are still very much together.

The 28-year-old Season 20 star responded in an Instagram post Wednesday to reports that he and Bushnell have ended their engagement.

"No need to respond often to rumors or 'fake news' but the feeling I have in this picture is the same feeling I have for this girl today," Higgins captioned a throwback photo of himself with Bushnell.

"We have entered into a world where rumors will exist we know that, but just know as @laurenbushnell celebrates her birthday tomorrow I am still extremely lucky to be able to share life with her and be by her side," he added.

Us Weekly had reported earlier in the day that Higgins and Bushnell were headed for a split. Speculation started in January after Bushnell visited Nashville without Higgins and then headed to Mexico with friends.

"A breakup has been coming for a while," a source told the magazine. "They don't get along. She's told people recently how hard it is. He's a great guy, but they should split."

Higgins and Bushnell got engaged on the Season 20 finale, and have since starred on the Freeform series Ben & Lauren: Happily Ever After?. The couple ended the show together after calling off their wedding in an earlier episode.

"I never thought for a second I could live a day without you. Lauren, I'm gonna be your husband. Lauren, you're gonna be Mrs. Higgins," Higgins said on the finale.