Wednesday May 13, 2009

Nicole Richie has reportedly come to blows with beau Joel Madden — over her friendship with fashionista Rachel Zoe, according to reports.

The Good Charlotte rocker apparently blames Zoe for Richie’s struggles with an eating disorder — and he’s fuming that the two women have reconnected, according to the National Enquirer.

“Joel is very protective of the mother of his child, and he thinks Rachel is a terrible influence on Nicole,” an insider said. “He and Nicole have had some pretty heated arguments over the issue.”

In May 2007, 5-foot-2 Nicole — who was pregnant and weighing just 83 pounds — checked into rehab to battle a prescription pill addiction and anorexia.

“Joel gave her an ultimatum and threatened to leave her unless she cleaned up,” said the insider.

“He associates that nightmare period of Nicole’s life — the pills and the dieting — with Rachel. He is convinced that she corrupted Nicole.

“Joel doesn’t think it’s a coincidence that as soon as Nicole erased Rachel from her life, she got healthy and gained 20 pounds. Now with Rachel back in the picture, he’s scared of Nicole relapsing.”

Tags: nicole richie