Nicole Richie Denies Smoking Rumors

By: Shannon Gossage

Recently it was reported that a seven-month pregnant Richie was spotted smoking outside of several restaurants in New York. She has angrily denied the claims saying, "The healthy birth of my child is my number one priority. It’s really very sad and hurtful that journalists don’t believe in checking facts before writing false and unsubstantiated stories about my health and my pregnancy." It was not reported what dates she was allegedly seen smoking, but she was reportedly spotted outside of DaSilvano lighting up and then again three days later outside of Nobu. Richie claims that she has not been in New York since September 5.

In early August Richie, 25, and boyfriend Joel Madden, of Good Charlotte, confirmed her pregnancy in an interview with Diane Sawyer on 20/20. When Sawyer asked about the pregnancy, Richie said, "Yes, I am. We are. I’m almost four months." It has now been reported that Richie and Madden, 28, are engaged and planning a wedding in the near future.

The couple began dating last November and was reportedly talking marriage before she got pregnant, but now she reportedly wants to wait until after the baby is born. A source close to Richie said, "She said she doesn’t want the baby to one day grow up and think she and Joel rushed to get married just because she got pregnant." The couple just vacationed in Australia and Thailand and it was reportedly an all expense paid trip by Ok! Magazine. The couple allegedly exchanged the trip for an interview.