Thursday, 20 November 2008

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden split up

Heiress and rocker call it quits after 9 months

Paris Hilton & Benji Madden dated for 9 months

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden's romance is over.

The pair split a few days ago after more than nine months of dating, a source close to Hilton tells PEOPLE.

"She is saddened by the breakup but they're just too different and they wanted different things in life," says a source close to Hilton. "He was loyal and sweet but it was time to take a break."

Reps for both Hilton and Madden could not be reached for comment.

On Nov. 15, Paris was photographed getting cozy with ex-boyfriend Stavros Niarchos at nightspot Mokai in Miami. The Hilton friend says the two were simply engaged in a close but friendly conversation. "In no way are they romantic, nor do they want to get back together," the source says.

And on Tuesday night, Hilton and Madden partied separately in L.A. – Hilton danced on top of a couch at Apple Lounge, while Madden was spotted at hotspot Coco de Ville with Nicole Richie, who dates his twin brother Joel Madden.

Both Hilton, 27, and Madden, 29, have recently denied reports that they were unfaithful to each other during their relationship. And just last month, the Good Charlotte guitarist told PEOPLE how happy he and Hilton were.

"I wear my feelings on my sleeve. I'm very open about how in love I am – Paris and I are very happy," Madden told PEOPLE in October.