Liam Hemsworth discovered his seven-month marriage to Miley Cyrus was over via social media, it has been claimed.

The actor, 29, was said to have been 'blindsided' by the singer's statement confirming their split last month, which Miley, 26, released while he was in Australia.

Miley's representative announced on August 10 the couple had agreed to part ways, after photos of the singer kissing her now-girlfriend Kaitlynn Carter, 31, in Italy surfaced online.

Stunned: Liam Hemsworth was reportedly blindsided when his and estranged wife Miley Cyrus' separation went public (pictured together in February)

A Page Six source claims The Hunger Games actor wasn't ready to announce their separation then and was privately fighting to save their marriage.

In the statement, Miley's representatives said: 'Liam and Miley have agreed to separate at this time.

'Ever-evolving, changing as partners and individuals, they have decided this is what's best while they both focus on themselves and careers.

'They still remain dedicated parents to all of their animals they share while lovingly taking this time apart. Please respect their process and privacy.'

Moving on: Miley's rep announced on August 10 the couple had agreed to part ways, after photos of Miley, 26, kissing Kaitlynn Carter in Italy surfaced online (pictured)

A different insider close to Miley told Page Six she wanted to save their marriage too, up until the same week Liam filed for divorce.

MailOnline has approached Liam and Miley's representatives for further comment.

Liam has kept a relatively low profile since announcing his split from wife Miley in mid-August, after just eight months of marriage.

His only public statement on the break-up was an Instagram post he shared shortly after photos surfaced of Miley kissing her now girlfriend Kaitlynn Carter in Italy.

'Just a quick note to say that Miley and I have recently separated and I wish her nothing but health and happiness going forward,' Liam wrote on August 13. This is a private matter... Peace and Love.'

Blindsided: Sources say the actor, 29, was shocked when he saw on social media that they were taking a break (pictured February)

The actor was apparently 'shocked' by the photos of Miley and Kaitlynn kissing in Italy.

At the time of their slit a rep said: 'Liam and Miley have agreed to separate at this time. Ever-evolving, changing as partners and individuals, they have decided this is what's best while they both focus on themselves and careers.

Days after news of the split made headlines sources close to Miley told TMZ the songstress tried 'valiantly' to save the marriage but couldn't accept Liam's 'drinking a lot' and 'using certain drugs.'

Miley released a song last week titled Slide Away where she appears to address relationship issues with Liam and sings of his fondness of whisky and pills.

Sources on Liam's side strongly denied Miley's accusations and say the real issue was the former Disney star's infidelity.

Heartfelt: Miley performed her break-up ballad Slide Away during the MTV VMAs, which contains many references to Liam and wanting different things in life

The actor's pals say the Mother's Daughter singer is using the drug and alcohol accusations to distract from the real cause of the split.

Lawyers filed divorce papers on Liam's behalf in Los Angeles on August 21.

Liam, who is being represented by Hollywood attorney Laura Wasser, cited 'irreconcilable differences' as the reason for his split from Miley.

The Can't Be Tamed star, 26, is reportedly 'disappointed' that her estranged husband filed for divorce so quickly after their split was announced.

Kaitlynn - who was pictured kissing Miley in Italy on August 9, just a day before the pop star announced her split from Liam - supported her girlfriend at the MTV VMAs last week.

The two women were seen kissing backstage together, according to sources.

During the awards ceremony, Miley had performed her break-up ballad Slide Away.

Instagram statement: Liam broke his silence on August 13, two days after pictures of Miley kissing Brody Jenner's ex-wife Kaitlynn Carter were splashed across the tabloids

Miley has denied ever cheating on her husband, insisting that her fling with Kaitlynn only began after they separated.

Insiders have told Page Six that Liam was hoping to have 'a normal, settled-down life' but Miley was determined to return to her famously wild ways.

Following their initial split in 2013 Miley famously shed her wholesome girl-next-door image, opting instead for sexually provocative outfits and outrageous behavior, culminating in her notorious appearance at the VMAs with Robin Thicke.

After toning down her behaviour when they first reunited in 2016, sources claimed that the return to 'old Miley' had caused serious issues for Liam.

Liam addressed the split on August 13, sharing photo to Instagram of a beach at sunset alongside a brief caption addressed to his fans.

He wrote: 'Hi all. Just a quick note to say that Miley and I have recently separated and I wish her nothing but health and happiness going forward... Peace and Love.'

Miley and Liam married last December in her native Tennessee after an on-off romance that began when they co-starred in the 2010 movie The Last Song.

Moving on: Miley and Kaitlynn are continuing to flaunt their new romance on Instagram. Pictured with friends Bradley Kenneth (left) and Saul Choza in Italy back in August (right)