What comes to mind when you hear that two people are “secretly dating?” Could it be that the two people are intensely private and want to keep their personal affairs just that, or perhaps one of the daters is kind of embarrassed to be seen with the other one? Well, when you consider that one of the people used to date Paris Hilton, and the other one has been naked in Playboy, you can’t really tell. Former “Girl Next Door”/lover of Hugh Hefner (gag!) Holly Madison is reportedly hanging around with Benji Madden, who dated Paris Hilton (also, gag!) for eight entire months. But nobody is supposed to know about it.

Paris Hilton’s ex-boyfriend, rocker Benji Madden, is secretly dating Hugh Hefner’s former Playmate Holly Madison.

The couple has been keeping the romance under wraps but now they’re beginning to talk about each other - and star spotters are catching public displays of affection.

The pair was spotted at a Melrose Avenue coffee shop recently in Los Angeles and couldn’t seem to keep their hands off one another.

A bystander says, “He was rubbing her lower back and the top of her butt, and she was hanging on his shoulder. They were laughing and flirting the entire time.”

And now Madison, who briefly dated illusionist Criss Angel after splitting from Hefner last year, has taken one step closer to a true confession about her new man.

She tells Life & Style magazine, “You can say I’m hanging out with someone I have a crush on.”

Friends tell the publication Madden is her secret crush.

[From StarPulse]

Benji was last linked to Katy Perry, but after photos of them partying at Chateau Marmont hit the web, Perry was quick to say that the two are just friends. He has been keeping a pretty low profile romantically since his split with Paris Hilton - maybe the intense paparazzi during their relationship scared him for good. I doubt the media frenzy would be anywhere near that level if he is dating Holly Madison. Which begs a bigger question: now that she is no longer on that wretched “reality” show, can we stop calling her a celebrity? Please? Can we just start referring to her as a former Playboy model or something?

Holly Madison in Las Vegas on December 4, 2009. Benji Madden on August 24, 2009 in Hollywood. Credit: WENN

Joel and Benji Madden were on a morning radio show in Melbourne, Australia on Monday when the hosts pulled a stunt that led Joel to storm off. Apparently the hosts were trying to set up a gag where they would test whether the twin brothers could feel each others’ emotions. They blindfolded Benji and gave Joel that infamous photo of Britney getting out of a car without her undies on. (Well, one of those photos, she did it at least three separate times in the fall of 2006.) Benji guessed that Joel was “annoyed,” and boy was he right. After the male host of the show drew some kind of “shape” on a piece of paper for Joel, he took off. His brother Benji soon followed and then Joel fired off a tweet explaining that he’d just left a radio show.

A couple of Australian hosts pushed Joel Madden’s last nerve during an interview Monday, and he reportedly walked out mid-interview while on FOX FM in Melbourne. Madden sent out an angry tweet through his Twitter account, “Just walked out of a FOXfm interview in Melbourne not in the mood to be a clown.”
He continued, “Most of the time I can put up with idiot morning show hosts but not today. I guess I have finally found some aussie’s I don’t get on with…”

According to FOX FM, the mood in the studio changed when Madden and his brother Benji were asked to test out that old wives tale that twins can sense what the other one is feeling. Benji put on an eye mask and Joel was handed the famous photo of Britney getting out of a car without her undies on.

Benji guessed that his brother was annoyed - which turned out to be right! Joel said “I think I’m pretty laid back dude, but you guys are getting on my nerves.”

Hosts Matt & Jo then apologized and tried to move on to the next challenge. Matt began to draw a shape on a piece of paper - which was a step too far for Joel. He stormed out of the studio saying “we’re outta here.” Benji was left in the studio but followed his brother shortly afterward.

[From Popeater]

I looked through the website for this radio program, The Matt and Jo Show, and couldn’t find a reference to this incident at all. The blog entry that PopEater links to on the radio station’s website has also been removed. It’s like they’d rather make people forget that it ever happened. I really want to know, though - what kind of shape did the host draw on the piece of paper? I’m sure it was something naughty to get Joel to stomp out of there like that. So was it the shape or the photo of Britney’s bits that did it?

I really hate morning talk shows and the way the hosts laugh loudly at the stupidest jokes. I listened to a few minutes of the Matt and Jo Show on their website and it doesn’t differ much from the format of American morning radio shows. In other words, it’s annoying and juvenile. These are the same radio hosts who asked Lady Gaga if she was a hermaphrodite, and I doubt they’ll change just because they offended a celebrity guest.

A few months ago Paris Hilton broke up with Benji “the love of her life” Madden because he was preventing her from partying as much as she wanted. Some people said Benji was a control freak, but Paris parties every single night. Asking her to stay home once in a while doesn’t seem that ridiculous to me. Anyway, though she claimed to have an eternal, deep, undying love for him, Paris chose a state of constant drunken debauchery over a nice guy. Which says a lot about her. But now there’s rumors she wants him back, after hearing that Benji had hooked up with singer Katy Perry.

Jealous Paris Hilton wants her ex-boyfriend Benji Madden back after seeing him hit it off with another sexy celeb. The hotel heiress - who split from the Good Charlotte rock star last November - has admitted she is still in love with Benji after seeing pictures of him spending Valentine’s Day with US singer Katy Perry.

A source said: “Paris still has very strong feelings for Benji and seeing those pictures has really hurt her - especially as they were taken so close to her birthday. She is determined to get Benji back and she is not going to let anyone or anything stand in her way.” Benji and Katy spent the romantic day together in Las Vegas, although the ‘Hot n Cold’ singer has since insisted they are just good friends.

She said “It’s two pseudo-famous people sitting next to each other - it doesn’t mean we were bumping uglies! You know I don’t just do that with anyone! I was there celebrating a really fun show and a boozy Valentine’s Day with all my good friends. We were like a group of 25! … Benji is a nice young fellow, but my heart really belongs to my cat.”

Shortly after Paris separated from Benji, the blonde socialite admitted she still had strong feelings for the musician. Paris (28) said “He’s my best friend. He’s been so great to me, so loyal, we will always be really close. I’m still in love with him. He’s a very special person - there’s no one like him.”

[From Bild]

Katy obviously denied that anything was going on, but I’m not sure I believe that. It seems like celebs feel obligated to say that until they’re practically married.

Nonetheless, I hope there’s no chance in hell Benji considers getting back with Paris. He can do much, much better. If nothing else, it seems like their lifestyles weren’t really compatible. Sure he’s famous and goes out often enough, but it appears like he’s still somewhat levelheaded about it. Paris is sober for less than three hours of the day. It doesn’t matter the day of the week, where she is in the world, or what else is going on – she is at a club. Even sneaking into (and getting thrown out of) them on occasion. These two just have no chance in the long run.

And really, what sensible man would possibly want to end up with Paris long-term anyway? If I were a guy I’d pick Katy Perry over her any day.

Here’s Paris attending a photoshoot at Damiani Boutique in Los Angeles yesterday. Images thanks to WENN.

Paris Hilton’s jilted boyfriend may have found love in the arms of less flighty and more talented woman. He was seen out with singer Katy Perry getting cosy on Valentine’s day.

Earlier in the night she may have called it “the horror that is Valentine’s Day,” but Katy Perry appears to have been struck by cupid’s arrow – which also seems to have hit Paris Hilton’s ex, Benji Madden.

Following her Valentine’s show at Hard Rock Hotel’s Wasted Space, Perry, 24, and Madden, 29, headed to Lavo – where the two conspicuously cuddled throughout the night, later prompting one observer to sense “some chemistry there.”

Madden, in town to deejay, even danced for Perry during several songs – and at those rare times when their hands weren’t on each other’s legs.

[From People.com]

How much do you want to bet Paris will find out and try to get Benji to go back to her just out of jealousy? It seems like she would do.

I have a feeling Perry is more Madden’s speed and that they have much more in common. She was raised by an ultra religious family including a dad who was an Evangelical pastor. Madden and his twin Benji also had a strict Christian upbringing. They’re both musicians with promising careers and seem like they’re looking for longer term relationships, given their respective dating histories.

What’s more is that both Perry and Madden became single around the same time last year. Perry broke up with her longterm boyfriend, Gym Class Heroes’ Travis McCoy in December while Benji and Paris called it quits in November. They had a couple of months to be single and now they’re looking for something more lasting.

I hope these two kids are having fun together and part of me is really rooting for them. Despite his incredibly poor judgment in sticking with Paris for so long I kind of like Benji. It was sweet how he would speak so fondly to the press about Paris and he definitely seemed like the more mature and devoted party in that relationship. Maybe now he’s found a woman who will appreciate him and won’t step on his feelings.

Benji Madden is shown on 2/7/09. Katy Perry is shown on 2/14/09. Credit: WENN

In news that sure to send Paris Hilton into a tizzy, Britney Spears is said to be dating Benji Madden, Paris’ most recent ex. Paris has a history of going back for seconds with her ex boyfriends, and although she broke up with Benji she’s only stated publicly that they’re taking a break. If In Touch is to be believed, Benji might soon be unavailable to return at Paris’ whim. They claim he’s been enjoying quiet paparazzi-free dates with the divorced mother of two at her home and at a hotel. In Touch has enough details of separate meetings between Britney and Benji to make this sound possible:

In Touch can exclusively reveal that the pop star is now secretly seeing Paris Hilton’s ex-boyfriend, Benji Madden. A friend says that Benji, 29, who split with Paris a month ago, is “perfect for Britney. He’s very attentive and that is exactly what she needs right now.”

“They’ve only been on a few dates, mostly at Britney’s house,” the friend reveals. “But they met once at the Peninsula hotel in Beverly Hills for dinner in a private suite.”

Britney, 27, and Benji were set up in a way that’s only possible in Hollywood - by her manager, Larry Rudolph.

What’s more is that In Touch claims that Britney is using the Tom Cruise and Jennifer Aniston dating strategy of allowing her people to scout out dates for her. The list of potential mates her manager and her dad came up with included Michael Phelps, Benji, and Jesse Metcalfe, with Benji being most open to dating Britney:

After she complained that she was lonely, Larry and her father, Jamie, created a list of potential boyfriends including Benji, Gossip Girl star Chace Crawford, actor Jesse Metcalfe and Olympic swimming champ Michael Phelps….

“Larry made some phone calls and Benji ended up being the most interested in being fixed up.”

[From In Touch, print edition, December 29, 2008]

It’s unclear if all of those guys mentioned were contacted about dating Britney, because In Touch claims some on the list were cut for “various reasons.” They go on to say that Britney isn’t super serious about Benji and is also pursuing a guy in her hometown of Louisiana named Ryan who happens to be the best friend of her sister’s boyfriend, Casey Aldridge.

As much as Paris bugs me and anyone who dates her is suspect, Benji seems like a decent guy who is looking for a long term commitment. I can’t really see him settling down with Britney, and it’s up to question whether this story resembles reality in any way, but they could make a good couple. Britney seems needy and like she’s looking for someone to stick with her while Benji comes off as the type who wants a woman who depends on him. We’ll have to see if we hear more about this supposed new couple and if they go the next step if this story is even true.

Photo credit: WENN and PRPhotos

MySpace Exclusive - Joel Madden travels to Africa with UNICEF

Update: here’s a video from the Richie Madden Children’s Foundation myspace of their trip

Twin brothers Joel and Benji Madden spent a week in the Central African Republic at the end of November. In Touch has the details and the photos. The 29 year-old musicians are goodwill ambassadors for UNICEF and are bringing awareness to the need for clean water in the war torn region. The Central African Republic is bordered by Chad, Sudan, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon. It is one of the poorest countries in the world, and according to Wikipedia it’s one of the ten poorest countries in Africa. One in five children dies in childhood in the country due to lack of clean water.

Benji and Joel lived in a small village and were very touched by the children they met. It was their first trip for UNICEF. It seems like they’re sincere about their effort to help and that they put in the time and effort to learn more and make a difference:

[Joel and Benji Madden] spent a week in November… living in a village in the Central African Republic, where day-to-day survival is a struggle. “They didn’t know who were are other than we were there to help,” Joel tells In Touch in an exclusive interview about his first trip to Africa as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

He notes that clean water is the main problem in the region, causing the deaths of one in five kids under 5. Monty to restore wells will help, but conflict resolution is also critical. “It makes it hard to live healthy lives when they are constantly having to flee,” says [Joel], adding that the village was attacked by rebels after he and Benji left.

Memories that will stay with him are of parents talking about their children in terms of living and dead, teaching the kids to play hide-and-seek, and the night he woke to beating drums under a starry sky. “I was probably the furthest I’ve been from home, geographically and culturally,” he says. “It was one of those moments that you look at your life and think about who you are and what you’re about. It was a good moment.”

“I’m not a big crier,” admits Joel, but he teared up when he got home to LA, where he lives with Nicole Richie and their daughter, Harlow, 11 months. “Every time I wash my hands or take a drink, I think how lucky my daughter is to grow up never having to think about where the water is coming from or how much she can use.”

[From In Touch, print edition, December 22, 2008]

In Touch notes that the Richie-Madden Children’s Foundation is working with UNICEF to help fund drinking water projects worldwide. This article really touched me. These guys didn’t have to spend a week of their lives in Central Africa to make a difference - they didn’t even have to visit. Instead they took the time and made a personal sacrifice to learn more firsthand. They didn’t issue a press release to People or anything either, the news may have been out but this is the first time I have heard about it and only In Touch has this story.

Benji and his ex girlfriend, Paris Hilton, visited South Africa this spring and included a stop at an orphanage, where Paris autographed 8×10 photos of herself in a bikini for the children. They were in the country for a performance by Benji and Joel’s band, Good Charlotte, and stayed in luxury accommodations. I doubt Paris would have been able to hack a few days at a remote village and I would bet Benji was changed enough by his trip this November to help hasten the end of their relationship.

Here are some tiny photos of their trip from HDTPCAR.net, the The Humanitarian and Development Partnership Team of the Central African Republic. Joel is shown on the left holding a baby. He said in In Touch that the little boy in red behind him followed them around “the whole time” and “when we left, he cried. It was really rough.” Benji is shown playing his guitar. You can see larger photos of their trip in the latest issue of In Touch with “It’s a Girl” for Brad and Angelina on the cover. (That story says they’re adopting a girl from Ethiopia now, which sounds like BS as there aren’t a lot of details to support it. Let me know if you want me to report it.)

Header is of Joel and Benji at Diesel’s 30th Anniversary in NY. Credit: Janet Mayer/PRPhotos

Benji Madden and Paris Hilton have definitely broken up, according to multiple reputable sources. Paris doomed the relationship from the start by constantly yapping about how Benji was the love of her life and all the babies she wanted to have right away with him. Paris ended the relationship, and Benji was said to be fairly upset about it. According to Fox News’ Pop Tarts, Benji is known to be somewhat controlling, and he and Paris were constantly butting heads about it. It sounds like it’s all for the best, and now Paris can get back to doing what she really loves: skanking it up.

Paris Hilton is fed up with being out of the spotlight and has dumped her boyfriend of nine months, Good Charlotte rocker Benji Madden, to resume partying. Hilton publicist Alanna McCarthy said yesterday the two “remain very good friends.” But the heiress caused quite a splash in Miami over the weekend, when photos surfaced of her coyly whispering into the ear of her ex Stavros Niarchos at Liv nightclub in the rebuilt Fontainebleau hotel. “Paris was with all her BFFs from the show,” one source told us.

Missing in action was Benji, who was in New York Sunday. Our source told us that Hilton was the one who ended it, and, “Benji was really upset when the photos [of her and Niarchos] came out.”

[From Page Six]

Pop Tarts says that this isn’t the first time Benji’s control issues broke up a relationship, and that they were a big factor in Sophie Monk ending their engagement. They also hint that Benji was jealous of Paris’ empty flirting relationship with Prince William.

So went wrong between the joined-at-the-lip twosome? It seems that Hilton and Madden recently sealed a rumored six-figure deal to swing by Australia on New Year’s Eve to attend the launch party for a new social online networking system, Bongo Virus. Paris is booked to be the host of the bash, while Benji is set to do the spinning.

According to an insider associated with the Australian company, Prince William may have had plans to meet up with Paris to ring in the New Year, having spent quite some time with her while she’s been filming her “My BFF” show in London.

So did Prince William’s extra attention irk Benji? According to an inside source, the ultra-quiet Benji can be well, kind of controlling, which apparently played a significant role in his split from former fiancée Sophie Monk. And given Paris’s perennial partying lifestyle and love of the nightlife, things just weren’t smooth sailing.

[From Pop Tarts]

If their characterization of Madden is right, he probably thought he could get Paris to settle down and behave herself the same way Joel got Nicole Ritchie to. Of course Joel had to get Nicole pregnant first, something Benji was smart enough not to do with Paris. Considering how often Paris has blabbered on about wanting babies, I’m pretty surprised that she’d pick partying over Benji, controlling or not. I always thought she seemed like the sort who would sacrifice every part of her identity for a guy, but I guess I was wrong. I don’t know if the breakup means Paris is smarter than I thought or even more stupid. But I do know every eligible male on both coasts better start popping some Valtrex, just to be safe.

Here’s Paris in Beverly Hills on Tuesday at Portofino airbrush tanning salon. Images thanks to Fame.

She’s been going out of her way to tell the world that her relationship with Good Charlotte’s Benji Madden is more than a fling, but Star Magazine is confirming that Paris Hilton is now single again. Tongues were wagging earlier this week when the serial dating heiress was spotted getting more than a little chummy with ex-boyfriend Stavros Niarchos in Miami. The exes were getting rather touchy-feely while Benji was noticeably absent. Sources say Paris kicked him to the curb because he was “too controlling” - which is code for “he had a problem with Paris screwing other guys.”

It’s splitsville for Paris Hilton and Benji Madden.
Days after Paris was “all over” her ex Stavros Niarchos, the heiress dropped the Good Charlotte rocker like a bad habit, telling him he was “too controlling” and that she needed her freedom back, a source tells Star exclusively.

Shortly after their breakup, which took place on Nov. 17, Paris let her hair down at Villa nightclub, where she partied with her sister, Nicky, and Nicky’s boyfriend David Katzenberg. The following night she was also without Benji when she hit the hot spot Apple Paris.

“Paris was fed up with Benji always telling her what to do and bossing her around,” says the insider. “She couldn’t take his overbearing ways anymore. It was stressing her out. He can be very aggressive and he was just too much trouble.”

Benji didn’t take the breakup well, says the source. “He fought for a second chance and asked if they could talk it out but Paris said she was done talking,” reveals the insider.

The demise of Paris and Benji’s relationship, after nine months of dating, didn’t happen overnight. “They’ve had “a lot of fights in the past,” says the source. The nail in the coffin was a showdown over Paris’ flirty night out with her ex-boyfriend Stavros on Saturday.

“Benji didn’t like it that she spent the evening with Stavros,” says the source. “He blew up and Paris felt victimized. He gave her a lot of grief about that.”

They bottom line is that they were just different people. “She felt she couldn’t cut loose and party,” says the source. “He doesn’t drink and doesn’t think she should either. She felt too fenced in.”

[From Star magazine]

Keep in mind that this is Star magazine- a publication only loosely acquainted with the truth on its best day. But it was strange that Paris was so public about cuddling up to her ex when she’s been telling everyone that she and Benji are serious. For the last nine months, she’s managed to dial back the sluttiness and behave like an actual girlfriend. No coke-fueled all-nighters, no cooch-flashing- just low-level annoying Paris idiocy. If she and Benji really are finished, does that mean we’ll see Paris the Hobag’s not-so-triumphant return?

Header photo of Paris Hilton and Benji Madden looking less than happy together at the premiere of her new movie, “Repo!” on Nov. 6. Gallery photo of Paris and Benji on Nov. 11, below, is the last time the pair was photographed together. Photos of Paris alone and looking glum today in West Hollywood. Photo credits: Bauergriffin.

Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer seem to be doing pretty well on their second go. Aniston’s got some fire in her lately which has been nice to see, and John Mayer, while often seen as a doucheY player, certainly has his own kind of self-effacing humor which is charming in its way. Even though I don’t trust Mayer because of his track record, I find myself liking him despite my best attempts not to. He can be a paparazzi whore but he’s still funny, and few celebs have mastered the self-deprecating humor like he has.

Aniston and Mayer went out on a date last night and ran into Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. The couples gabbed for a bit before parting ways – according to People, Jen and John were totally into each other.

Sunset Tower Hotel was the place for star gazing Monday night, when Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer dropped by for a late-night meal. “They were positively glowing in the candlelight,” an onlooker said of the couple, who took a corner table in the dimly lit Hollywood landmark, where the couple is frequently spotted. “You could see her classic ‘Aniston smile’ on her face.”

The on-again couple – just back from their jaunt to New York City – talked closely in low tones. But they did take time to chat with another celebrity couple, Nicole Richie and Joel Madden, who were dining nearby. “There was a lot of excited talk between the two girls,” the onlooker noted, “with Nicole’s head bobbing up and down as she talked to Jen.” (When Richie star-exited the restaurant a short time later, she gave an “exaggerated, very happy wave” to her new Friend.)

But for most of the night, Aniston, 39, and Mayer, 31, only had eyes for each other. “They were very happy and goofy,” the source added. “They seemed to revel in their privacy.”

[From People]

John and Jen are really growing on me. I still don’t think John’s going to settle down until he’s in his late seventies, but that’s not necessarily the only measure of his worth. It just depends on what Aniston is looking for from him. Since the day she and Brad Pitt divorced, people have assumed that Jen’s done nothing but try to find someone else to marry. The thought that she might be happy dating and remaining unattached in the long run seems unfathomable to most. But perhaps that’s exactly what she wants.

Here’s Jennifer meeting up with John at La Esquina in the SoHo neighborhood of Manhattan on Thursday. Images thanks to Bauer-Griffin.

Paris Hilton and Benji Madden are still going strong, even after 8 whole months. Paris continues to dress like I can only presume is her idea of what a rock star’s girlfriend should dress like (she’s probably watched every episode of Rock of Love) and despite the fact that’s she’s been wandering around London, they’re still in love. Nauseatingly so.

Benji Madden would like to set the record straight about those tabloid reports that he has been unfaithful to new love Paris Hilton. “Paris is the love of my life,” he tells Life & Style. “She’s the most beautiful woman in the world. These rumors are not only hurtful but completely false and absurd. She is my life and the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.

Everything they printed is a complete lie. I never give off any impression other than that I am madly in love with Paris. I am disgusted that people would make up such malicious lies. She is my life, my heart and my soul and is the most important thing in my life. No one exists but her. I am the most loyal guy in the world and would never even look at anyone else.”

And Paris? “Benji and I have an amazing relationship and I trust him with my life,” she tells Life & Style. “I don’t ever believe rumors regarding my love. I know he would never hurt me and he knows the same about me.”

Life & Style

I actually believe in true love and people changing and rainbows and butterflies, but I just can’t buy the idea that these are deeply in love. I also think it is a big deal for Benji to say he wants to spend the rest of his life with Paris, and it’s a statement that could come back to haunt him.

My theory is that Paris has used her alien powers to take over Benji Madden, and through her mind control tactics has convinced him he’s in love. She probably inserted some kind of device in his body to make him follow her around like a real boyfriend.

Paris has just released a music clip, although I’m confused as to whether it’s a new single or just something to continue to promote the Paris Hilton brand. It’s called ‘Paris for President’, and she offers to be your commander in bikini. Frankly, I’d be more impressed to see her in a suit, the bikini’s been done.

Paris Hilton is shown arriving at her hotel in London last night. Credit: Will Alexander/WENN. Benji Madden is shown out at a recording studio in LA on 10/16/08. Credit: Bauergriffinonline. He is also shown with Paris at the premiere party for her reality show on 9/30/08. Credit: Bauergriffinonline