Hilary Duff and Joel Madden Split Because of Stalker?  11/30/06

Hilary Duff and Joel Madden's recent split came after the rocker refused to take threats a stalker made against his girlfriend seriously, according to US reports.

The pop star, 19, and the Good Charlotte rocker, 27, originally blamed the split on their age difference, but other factors behind the break-up have now come to light.

Earlier this month (NOV06), police arrested a man who is allegedly obsessed with Duff and had threatened to harm her.

A source tells American publication Us Weekly, "Hilary has been so freaked out about it, but Joel didn't think it was as big of a deal. They fought about it all the time. He wants less drama."