Why Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton Should Call it Quits for Good

I was introduced to Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton shortly after the first "Simple Life" episodes aired. I thought: "Why am I watching this?" And no sooner had the question escaped my brain did I find myself glued to the television screen. Nicole, Paris, and their outrageous candor made for excellent entertainment. Outside of the obvious circumstances, the intimate repoire between the girls is what sold me on the show. So when I heard in 2005, that Paris and Nicole had part ways I did indeed ponder about what kinds of issues could break up such an insipid pair. As Associated Content producer Paula Neal Mooney muses in her article about the two, it is very possible that Nicole's alleged viewing of her friend's steamy videotape was the straw that broke the camel's back. Ironically, after filming an entire season of "The Simple Life" separately because of their feud, they've apparently buried the hatchet - having been seen noshing at Dan Tana's Steakhouse in West Hollywood. But I wonder if maybe this should be the extent of their escapades.

"What About Your Friends…?"

Paris' loyalties could be called into question. Recently connected to a string of lewd tirades about Lindsay Lohan, Paris was once a close friend of hers. Further attesting to her bouts of whimsy is her revolving door of suitors. The world would probably decide not to care if only it hadn't been shown very blatant examples of all sorts of other vulgar behavior. If I were Nicole, I would probably be very leery of Paris' flights of fancy. Richie indeed may have been responsible for showing the infamous video to eager eyes. But it just seems highly unlikely that Hilton was that bent out of shape over the alleged incident. Whether the rumor is true or not is moot. Behaviors such as these can only be more destructive when dished out from both corners of the ring.

"Who's the Coolest…?"

"The Simple Life's" debut was a charming one, which showcased the young ladies' star potential. They were not just dumb blondes running around on farms. They were the MTV generation's answer to Lucy and Ethel. But it is impossible not to compare the two. While Paris' forte involved much Princess Behavior, it is Nicole's mischievous nature that really steals the show. All kidding aside, it's a big deal to have your name plastered on the side of one of the biggest international hotel chains ever. But how "cool" is it to say that your godfather is Michael Jackson? (for Michael fans only…)

"Age Before Beauty…"

Another thing I noticed about Nicole Richie in her "Simple Life" episodes was that she somehow seemed a bit more worldly and grounded than Paris Hilton. Paris' complete ignorance about such pop culture items like Wal-Mart showed the world just how insulated her lifestyle really is. Often, the challenges were more easily mastered by Richie. As Nicole's grittier persona shined through, I often wondered which of the two was more of the grown-up. Since the two have cancelled their friendship, Nicole has gone on to become the current face of Jimmy Choo shoes. The highlight of Hilton's own endorsements directs people to eat Hardee's hamburgers; in retrospect, her endorsements seem a tad juvenile in comparison to Jimmy Choo's haute couture reputation. It makes me wonder whether the girls' split caused the world to take Nicole Richie more seriously.

"Battle of the Pop Divas"

It's true that Paris Hilton broke onto the music scene before Nicole Richie. Over the summer of 2006, there was a media buzz as Hilton fans awaited the August release of her debut album. But the unveiling of her much anticipated tunes proved to be a major flop. In fact, despite much over-selling and "sexy hype," no one seemed to put much stock in Paris' alleged talent. It's been reported that Nicole Richie's own debut is slated for birth in the "near future"; 6 out of 10 tracks have already been completed as of August 2006. The murmurs have been fairly quiet surrounding Nicole's pop entrance. And that isn't the only difference between the girls' musical careers. Richie has studied piano, cello, and the violin. As a matter of fact, music was actually Nicole's only career dream. Her background in the arts could prove to work in her favor. In fact, with a famous singer/musician for a father (Lionel Richie), she may need no hype at all to push record sales.

"Watch Your Back"

With a social life as active as Paris Hilton's, it's no wonder that the trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes. Her recent scuffle involving rocker Travis Barker's soon-to-be ex-wife, Shanna, is one example of the melee which appears to surround the heiress. While much of the trouble isn't typically violent, a lot of is emotionally distressing. And with Hilton being denied entry left and right to a few of Hollywood's most prestigious events, those in her entourage might run into some rather embarrassing social roadblocks.

Nicole might also want to consider the other hazards associated with hanging out Paris. Early in September 2006, Paris was arrested for a DUI. She has also been spotted and photographed several times carrying and indulging in marijuana. Many people will argue that this is hardly a major offense. But for someone who has a history of drug problems such as Nicole, these activities can be very dangerous.

Have They Made Up?

Whether Nicole and Paris have finally made peace is ultimately nobody's business. Gossip-mongers like me may forever speculate about the dismantling of their friendship. Nicole has stated previously that she and her former buddy simply "grew apart." Surely, it would be a relief for the two if they have truly mended fences. These childhood buddies have had a lot of hilarious adventures. But in light of obvious reasons, perhaps Lionel's Little Girl and the Heiress might do better to leave their friendship at the playground.