Las Vegas Weekly

November 20, 2008 · 9:40 AM

The truth behind Paris and Benji’s surprise breakup

By Robin Leach

Benji has Paris' ear during the premiere of Repo! The Genetic Opera earlier this month at Planet Hollywood, but his chronic clinging has torpedoed the romance.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabik.com

No denying it but many of Paris Hilton’s friends were surprised with her shocking confirmation yesterday (click HERE) that she and beaufriend Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden had “broken up for good.” However, all of them were relieved and happy that the 10-month romance had ended permanently.

Paris and Benji seemed the perfectly contented couple in love at the premiere of her new Repo! The Genetic Opera movie two weeks ago here at Planet Hollywood. Behind the scenes, however, I was told that they’d been feuding over his “possessiveness, over protectiveness and control-freak demands.”

“To be honest, there weren’t many in the Paris circle who liked him because of that. He’s a real nice guy, but there’s this jealous streak. She was literally a prisoner to his demands and orders,” one of her closest girlfriends revealed. “He’d even tell her to only smoke when hidden away from photographers. He doesn’t drink, so he wanted her to stop, too. He didn’t want her going out partying with friends and instead stay home just the two of them for private dinners.

“She needed to get her freedom back. You can’t handcuff a person, smother them and try to completely change them.”

Apparently the couple had argued about his possessiveness, which was also blamed for his previous breakup from Australian actress Sophie Monk. Friends say that he promised Paris he’d change and to give him another chance at curbing it.

“She gave him three chances, and then he was out,” her girlfriend said. “She wanted to get back to single status again! That simple!”

While Benji was at a New York recording session, Paris was seen dancing in a Miami nightclub earlier this week with former boyfriend Greek shipping tycoon Stavros Niarchos Jr. It allegedly sent Benji into a rage that sparked the actual breakup.

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