Nicole Richie Says She Never Had An Eating Disorder, But Boy She Was Skinny

(HMG) – Nicole Richie who looks healthy and fabulous these days as a brunette, recently addressed the days of yore when rumors swirled that she had an eating disorder.  Back in 2006 photos of the reality TV star all of a sudden looking rail thin in a bikini, triggered the speculation.  In the new issue of Marie Claire UK, Nicole says that treatment in the press was unfair:

I felt it was a little unfair to say someone has an eating disorder when they don’t. It’s extremely insulting and irresponsible. An eating disorder is serious and it’s a disease. I think when you see me in person, you see that I’m, like, five foot one – I’m a small person.When I was heavier, everyone said I was too heavy. You can’t win in the public eye and I find it really hard. So I ignore it now, I really do.

Taking Nicole at her word that it wasn’t an eating disorder, something sure didn’t look right about the way she looked a few years ago, unless she was planning on being cast as Olive Oyl?  Just glad Nicole’s doing so well now, and maybe she will elaborate on what was going on back then, with a little more time and perspective.