Nicole Richie’s spokesperson has denied rumours that the socialite is currently in a rehab programme.

The National Enquirer and Star magazines are reporting that Nicole entered the Beau Monde clinic in Corona Del Mar, California earlier this month to receive treatment for a painkiller addiction and to help her fight ongoing eating disorders.

A source revealed that Nicole was “in tears” on arrival at the clinic, saying she had “lost control of her life”.

Another source added: “Nicole’s been a mess for months. Her weight has plummeted.”

The Simple Life star is said to have spent a few days at the clinic “detoxing” as a resident but then switched to an out-patient programme.

However, Nicole’s publicist has denied the claims, saying: “She is not in rehab. She is at home in Glendale. Sobriety is an ongoing process but she is sober.”

Nicole spent time in rehab in 2003 to overcome heroin addiction after being arrested for driving offences and possession of the drug. She was arrested again late last year when found to be driving the wrong way on a highway and admitted having taken a Vicodin painkiller and smoked marijuana during the evening.