Paris Hilton and Benji Madden spark engagement rumors

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden have fueled rumors they’re set to marry — after Benji’s brother, Joel, referred to the socialite as his “sister-in-law” at the Coachella this weekend.

While Paris just beamed at her new title, Benji, 29, caused more speculation by sporting a huge diamond ring with the initials PH.

The couple were even spotted being congratulated by a group of people in the VIP bar at the three-day event in Indio, California.

An onlooker said: “Paris and Benji are inseparable — it’s quite nauseating in some ways.

“A lot of people have brushed it off as a publicity stunt but Benji is serious about Paris and he has discussed marriage plans with his brother – which is why Joel called her his sister-in-law.

“He said it in a jokey way, but from the sound of things it’s only a matter of time.”

But despite the rumored nuptials, Benji’s pals and Good Charlotte bandmates are convinced he’s still on the rebound from his ex fiancee Sophie Monk.

A source told Britain’s Daily Mirror newspaper: “Paris and Nicole are on good terms now, but it wasn’t very long ago that they decided to cut all ties.

“Their friendship is very turbulent, and the last thing Joel wants is the mother of his baby girl getting stressed.

“Also Benji was engaged to Aussie model Sophie just a few days before he started dating Paris, and Joel just wanted to make sure he knew what he was doing – because the rest of their pals think he’s crazy.”

And it seems Benji may even walk down the aisle before Joel and his fiancee Nicole Richie. The insider adds: “Joel and Nicole always said they would make it legal once their baby was born, but Paris and Benji could get there first.”