Paris Hilton and Benji Madden break up after dating for nine months

Paris Hilton, Benji MaddenAccording to Us Weekly's information from a source, Paris Hilton and her boyfriend, Benji Madden, have broken up after being together for nine months. The source revealed that the split came possibly because the 'Good Charlotte' guitarist Madden, 29, was 'overprotective and controlling' of Hilton, the 27-year-old socialite.

Sharing thoughts on why the couple called it quits, the source added: "Benji doesn't get along with any of Paris' friends. Friends thought Paris had changed since being with Benji, and she wants to be herself again."

The couple, who had made their relationship public in February, has been photographed wearing rings with each other's initials. In August, Hilton confirmed in an interview with MTV News that the two had co-written a song for her upcoming album, saying their talents and sensibilities "really mixed well." At Comic-Con in San Diego, Hilton had said that Benji is a talented writer, and since they are in love, they can really write well together being on "the same wavelength".

Hilton publicist, Alanna McCarthy, refused to offer comments on the split, except for saying that the two "remain very good friends."

Reports from Us Weekly also indicate that Hilton was spotted over the weekend canoodling with ex-boyfriend Stavros Niarchos in Miami; however, their interactions reportedly remained platonic. The magazine quoted their source as saying: "Nothing went on between Paris and Stav in Miami. She was there for a girls' weekend with her best friends."

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